tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9286418714415942382024-02-19T06:42:35.895-08:00Pepper TrailsUntil the attack of the entrepreneurial bug two years ago I was like any other home maker, settled happily with my husband and kids, running a wonderful hearth and home, with no bigger dreams in tow. And now, we have Pepper Trails, a unique culinary experience for the foodie traveler! Wondering how traditional Kerala cuisine never fails to steal hearts? Delve into this culinary blog to know more about my expedition and what the Pepper Trails venture is all about. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00751203116412280308noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928641871441594238.post-58157031147310180052013-12-01T05:14:00.002-08:002013-12-01T05:39:35.427-08:00One bicycle, 18 countries, 9,000 km…. here comes Simon Schedlbauer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidn1IDxGoDGNp5pKm59k-iTM6cEXAUZ7CiONeDjzW8aBDg35inO0UcPTdtfUxNuPhf5kSjzoFtmzCH6yBjhpW5CILJXevNHPVbSyy6pCt9cedAEc8VepWKYPEtXJ-oM_AG9RjcWE4y-M/s1600/DSC05547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidn1IDxGoDGNp5pKm59k-iTM6cEXAUZ7CiONeDjzW8aBDg35inO0UcPTdtfUxNuPhf5kSjzoFtmzCH6yBjhpW5CILJXevNHPVbSyy6pCt9cedAEc8VepWKYPEtXJ-oM_AG9RjcWE4y-M/s320/DSC05547.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had a rare guest at PepperTrails this time; Simon
Schedlbauer and his friend Katharina. He is from Lower Bavaria, Germany and is
on a rare mission.</span></span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every
person above the ordinary has a certain mission that they are called to fulfil and
Simon is one. Read his story in his own words:</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“My
name is Simon Schedlbauer and I come from Bogen (near Straubing/Lower Bavaria,
Germany). Having completed a 3½-year advanced training course while working, I
would now like to take the opportunity to experience foreign countries and
cultures and to reach out to people in need. A friend from Munich will join me
on my trip. </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Starting in mid-March 2013, I am going on a charity bicycle tour
which will take me all the way from Germany to North India in the course of
about six months. On this trip, I hope to pass through 18 countries, covering a
distance of around 9,000 km (roughly 5,600 miles). You will be able
to follow me at any stage of the tour on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, and of
course on my blog, where I am going to share my impressions and experiences
along the way.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfnLlInFsfaRXeMwqtTRMdx53Xfq9JrGywlgke2j8oPcj4OAExiRjTN7ns-NiAw-h6zfKnUVKg4k5oelo37csuAPS-vA6ieotFAIgX-rhM_LUJfot6OUV_7A3eLXbtv4LuaagioGL8iM/s1600/DSC05538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVotTN9CyXNBEnT4fjMBzzUkNzsg9mQF2omJKvPs9d8Vo5b1JnsPIp0TT42Ve6coThRxZWQFuTmnqxLaaTDRdYAfMFkznkMdz2TihS5jLk9JgKi4CUtgc3OIEDyOzzN2HbNAlZgHv8Kw/s1600/DSC05537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVotTN9CyXNBEnT4fjMBzzUkNzsg9mQF2omJKvPs9d8Vo5b1JnsPIp0TT42Ve6coThRxZWQFuTmnqxLaaTDRdYAfMFkznkMdz2TihS5jLk9JgKi4CUtgc3OIEDyOzzN2HbNAlZgHv8Kw/s320/DSC05537.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfnLlInFsfaRXeMwqtTRMdx53Xfq9JrGywlgke2j8oPcj4OAExiRjTN7ns-NiAw-h6zfKnUVKg4k5oelo37csuAPS-vA6ieotFAIgX-rhM_LUJfot6OUV_7A3eLXbtv4LuaagioGL8iM/s1600/DSC05538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzfnLlInFsfaRXeMwqtTRMdx53Xfq9JrGywlgke2j8oPcj4OAExiRjTN7ns-NiAw-h6zfKnUVKg4k5oelo37csuAPS-vA6ieotFAIgX-rhM_LUJfot6OUV_7A3eLXbtv4LuaagioGL8iM/s320/DSC05538.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My goal is to raise at least €1.00 for every kilometre of the
trip, which would make for a total of €9,000.00. The beneficiary of those
donations will be Tibets Kinder imExile.V. (Exiled Children of Tibet,
registered association), a not-for-profit organization providing aid for
Tibetan children living in India, who have been on the run from oppression and
persecution ever since China’s illegal occupation of Tibet in 1951. To this
day, concerned parents send several hundred children every year on an extremely
dangerous journey on foot across the Himalayas and on to the exile communities of
India. They do so in hopes that at least their children will be able to live in
freedom and safety; that they may preserve their language, their religion, and
their culture; and that they will enjoy a good education and be given the
chance to shape their own future unimpeded by compulsion or constraint. Based
in Munich, Tibets Kinder im Exil e.V. lends a helping hand to the children who
live in Tibetan SOS Children’s Villages by enlisting sponsors and collecting
donations. The donated money goes directly toward supporting specific projects
in these children’s villages, in full and without any deductions for
administrative costs. Your donation will<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="outline: 0px;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;">not</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> be
used to cover my travel expenses. Rest assured that I will literally pay my own
way.</span>” (Read more at; <a href="http://www.simon-schedlbauer.de/english">http://www.simon-schedlbauer.de/english</a>)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGt87eG9_Pbz7nDDgQJs9E04gS9Qozj8YGFTpBZOEgMkWcHCRDQY88DhxwvviFtmFl2AJUE2V1_v_GbuxnCIx1tqNrSdfZ2zYj4LNvHsDFQc6Txo4B3r5acKXzzrOzBmpuLo2GBQSjxI/s1600/DSC05533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGt87eG9_Pbz7nDDgQJs9E04gS9Qozj8YGFTpBZOEgMkWcHCRDQY88DhxwvviFtmFl2AJUE2V1_v_GbuxnCIx1tqNrSdfZ2zYj4LNvHsDFQc6Txo4B3r5acKXzzrOzBmpuLo2GBQSjxI/s320/DSC05533.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Simon
stopped at PepeprTrails for a meal and some relaxation, the duo was very keen
to know about India and its traditional tastes. Excited about the live culinary
demo; Simon noted on TripAdvisor: “Excellent
cooking-class: They show you how to cook original Indian food and the taste is
amazing. The complete meal is included in the price, so there is nothing to pay
extra. It`s fantastic because you get the written instructions for the meals so
you can cook it also yourself at home. Thank you very much for your great hospitality,
we really enjoyed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you Simon and Katharina and all the very
bests for the rest of your journey!</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00751203116412280308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928641871441594238.post-29037122605035150272013-11-10T01:44:00.001-08:002013-11-10T01:44:16.284-08:00Trip Advisor Reviews on Pepper Trails<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 5.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">We have some amazing
reviews on Trip Advisor from guests who visited us in the recent past. We are
happy to see those smiling faces, this further demands our focused attention to
strive towards providing an ‘experience to carry home’ for our dear guests.
Thank you all who visited us and spared their time to put down their appreciation
in writing. </span><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of
appreciation for goodness!!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVT2MgwspHOMWbMIOTcwO7vUZB3qq4LL_NXsFELcW8IjX5XElAoXjqo1nNbaCdgxGiPih_ADI8dMA_wgZciWmgnCYPhuPbO-Nz_72JsWEK626QtzGhIhCYAa7sPck_SLyrKf4rMIzclyE/s1600/PT_TA+Review_2+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVT2MgwspHOMWbMIOTcwO7vUZB3qq4LL_NXsFELcW8IjX5XElAoXjqo1nNbaCdgxGiPih_ADI8dMA_wgZciWmgnCYPhuPbO-Nz_72JsWEK626QtzGhIhCYAa7sPck_SLyrKf4rMIzclyE/s320/PT_TA+Review_2+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AUdEYaqGLC7JGCj1ecoQVmiHB8C7cY0sL0vVNv8TNBunVQBj65-140Y9Y4x8wdgsBB3LxT5m16yKVGktIdW2uDtZ4LAatixt7gJU-Azwx3aCkTxVH6BRaumMMPBKExOKgO3E3MPPG5c/s1600/PT_TA+Review_2+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AUdEYaqGLC7JGCj1ecoQVmiHB8C7cY0sL0vVNv8TNBunVQBj65-140Y9Y4x8wdgsBB3LxT5m16yKVGktIdW2uDtZ4LAatixt7gJU-Azwx3aCkTxVH6BRaumMMPBKExOKgO3E3MPPG5c/s320/PT_TA+Review_2+(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 5.25pt;">
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 5.25pt;">
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Please see the Reviews on Trip Advisor at:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 5.25pt;">
<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowUserReviews-g297633-d4943161-r184152598-Pepper_Trails_Food_Tours-Kochi_Cochin_Kerala.html#REVIEWS">http://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowUserReviews-g297633-d4943161-r184152598-Pepper_Trails_Food_Tours-Kochi_Cochin_Kerala.html#REVIEWS</a><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00751203116412280308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928641871441594238.post-57608754155712544192013-11-04T02:23:00.000-08:002013-11-04T03:40:50.358-08:00Baerbel Schroeter and team from Germany visits PepperTrails<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Baerbel Schroeter, a travel industry professional from Germany first visited Pepper Trails in May,2012. It was in conjunction with a German consortium on a familiarization trip to experience the unique offerings in the tourism landscape of Kerala. The exquisite culinary demo at Pepper Trails motivated her to pay a visit again on 2013, October and this time she brought in her close associates as well.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
Apart from the cookery session, she was much appealed by the friendly dining with Pepper Trails family, courtesy the team has extended to her and the culture and taste of this traditional Kerala Kitchen. Mrs. Schroeter also joined for another FAM trip to Pittapillil estates, the home ground where we cultivate the ingredients for traditional Kerala dishes. Please read her review in her own language.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGGV5_o0WaMuLyvlUytzBCRmEOMDyTzYifUebIDNj5EJCbqSpz4OOCsUZkrJG59IlqZgjaplpVybsFSn4atNlaQMDSfsqyvs-T5shph_owGQOlOsv3pJQmHoWnsopMVX4eoLLMX2oFAk/s1600/_20130905_07465201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGGV5_o0WaMuLyvlUytzBCRmEOMDyTzYifUebIDNj5EJCbqSpz4OOCsUZkrJG59IlqZgjaplpVybsFSn4atNlaQMDSfsqyvs-T5shph_owGQOlOsv3pJQmHoWnsopMVX4eoLLMX2oFAk/s320/_20130905_07465201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Appreciation is a source of civilized delight, they say. But when it comes in German, it makes us humble as it is more or less Greek to us. But Baerbel Schroeter expressed her heartfelt appreciation through words spoken while she visited us, written word s also cannot be different, we are sure!</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_lzQOHxeMtoVVWYPg4ZpECOaIWQREP24jdd9b2KctxXtDY-ovnmc64K4RM6CdT4FiT-P2b4P3l0mv5CS24p8iJIWIsuR0P12z4OVbgaFsE951QWN5-3KtX6z_dynxhj3hS9BN36HD7M/s1600/DSC05487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_lzQOHxeMtoVVWYPg4ZpECOaIWQREP24jdd9b2KctxXtDY-ovnmc64K4RM6CdT4FiT-P2b4P3l0mv5CS24p8iJIWIsuR0P12z4OVbgaFsE951QWN5-3KtX6z_dynxhj3hS9BN36HD7M/s320/DSC05487.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A live demo at the Pepper Trail kitchen for Baerbel Schroeter and her team from Germany</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymN2pCLFhZyl1rEpwmIf97P1t2GqBkiAZICdiDD_RffY5xiuaDXwsUzDSJz0J7bZb3yGMp1FBX5v74dISt9zPIYsLad95vKA4qWhRTju9FYwzaroJuurqGuG0UDK9owGfLf44hHV2nJY/s1600/DSC05481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymN2pCLFhZyl1rEpwmIf97P1t2GqBkiAZICdiDD_RffY5xiuaDXwsUzDSJz0J7bZb3yGMp1FBX5v74dISt9zPIYsLad95vKA4qWhRTju9FYwzaroJuurqGuG0UDK9owGfLf44hHV2nJY/s320/DSC05481.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Baerbel Schroeter attempts making an “Appam” at PepperTrail kitchen, amused Simi Kishore plays a culinary coach to the visiting guest.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuB8bEI9xEKZicEepeQ3hkbhcZwbjiCHp61ut0lCkNGfpWFoQqSHH7zm_6_wGpG7W-FrAjQqnBomcto_nZaIY6ExRzW57M8l-3oMMscs0w_8y5t3RYGgTtVzrZGlkKvnONSM_IecJQB-8/s1600/DSC05490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuB8bEI9xEKZicEepeQ3hkbhcZwbjiCHp61ut0lCkNGfpWFoQqSHH7zm_6_wGpG7W-FrAjQqnBomcto_nZaIY6ExRzW57M8l-3oMMscs0w_8y5t3RYGgTtVzrZGlkKvnONSM_IecJQB-8/s400/DSC05490.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Baerbel Schroeter and her visiting German team enjoys ‘Kerala Platter’ at the Pepper Trails home.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00751203116412280308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928641871441594238.post-37873712454434479162013-02-20T23:19:00.001-08:002013-02-20T23:19:29.633-08:00A dinner with friends from Israel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our guests from Israel were a truly sociable bunch and it was a joyous experience to cook for them and share recipes. The kids were undoubtedly an entertainment as always.</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of our new found friends, <b>Gila Grossman </b>from Tel Aviv, had this to say:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;">We felt very welcomed by the family. We felt at home.The food
was excellent,the cooking lesson was very interesting, we enjoyed the company of the hosts, great experience to meet Indian people at their house. We are very
grateful for your open house and open hearts.Thank you very much!"</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was surely a pleasure for the Pepper Trails household too to sit down to a pleasant dinner with all of you. Hoping you will visit again. Shalom!</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40enxEw6FzGgk1AvxBzCJZfIgxlw295XWPITQ7jgUWWaR-F9ypM9uweI9R6wKA3D6FNRpisbfYkNR52jFlif-gTtNIRAWNSqe1a4cj6sAgSPOi7lWkmbLauIKIeIlXhcBmpbmXhyphenhyphene3ZM/s1600/isr2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40enxEw6FzGgk1AvxBzCJZfIgxlw295XWPITQ7jgUWWaR-F9ypM9uweI9R6wKA3D6FNRpisbfYkNR52jFlif-gTtNIRAWNSqe1a4cj6sAgSPOi7lWkmbLauIKIeIlXhcBmpbmXhyphenhyphene3ZM/s320/isr2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With everyone<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nTktJeVgQNJAUilnRkevG3rAHdl5redRTf5wYu4AM6epqbs5KvPQ3iRzrV03CKmQjsnT9flPbHQIRgW0czpwsg4Yhd5Qi26jhysCr3hk7N9Ne7jbpT1cqkIjJFX30hLH0ftB-7Rksy8/s1600/isr1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nTktJeVgQNJAUilnRkevG3rAHdl5redRTf5wYu4AM6epqbs5KvPQ3iRzrV03CKmQjsnT9flPbHQIRgW0czpwsg4Yhd5Qi26jhysCr3hk7N9Ne7jbpT1cqkIjJFX30hLH0ftB-7Rksy8/s320/isr1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One for the album<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNb_Eo8l2Ps4o05MX-8r_Uw3KiOJ4_VkU70N7mrlVbFpG2g80nJQAWdLigLOnu1mOpDGzonD-6BZ2fBdf6QJdjqS5RVsCBawyd21wiSlWWeH_lcrK3aREqeFPBKUmMoR2rmU8nWAeKkc/s1600/isr3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNb_Eo8l2Ps4o05MX-8r_Uw3KiOJ4_VkU70N7mrlVbFpG2g80nJQAWdLigLOnu1mOpDGzonD-6BZ2fBdf6QJdjqS5RVsCBawyd21wiSlWWeH_lcrK3aREqeFPBKUmMoR2rmU8nWAeKkc/s320/isr3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning to whip up some delicacies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASX-v8hoMHwgx9lIL6PcaWGrjm4Yklsj9Vfx0cI4jqgG7uxA0Ve4LeuSilsQ6i4yIzxt6LxEhoIaaC7b0iBUDbf7JpVoH-aWUxB_6okdr3hKvcuhZ5Lb6UchQuohuXCLkZeV08C6GtuM/s1600/isr6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASX-v8hoMHwgx9lIL6PcaWGrjm4Yklsj9Vfx0cI4jqgG7uxA0Ve4LeuSilsQ6i4yIzxt6LxEhoIaaC7b0iBUDbf7JpVoH-aWUxB_6okdr3hKvcuhZ5Lb6UchQuohuXCLkZeV08C6GtuM/s320/isr6.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And finally, at the dinner table...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00751203116412280308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928641871441594238.post-31496494218492756102013-02-20T22:54:00.002-08:002013-02-20T22:54:32.092-08:00The British PM and the Malayali "Meen" curry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKFFcwxDiLSYqULNtlDn8-bjkzcRCds5DEjDKpwbspb0Jfw3BusxyiCQ_L_v_FlrtD-86wYnh4lEE7Adx3WYI4tnQ7YOiJiCClZ_i8iLC7gPfywZ4h0oG5jxDpmhE6xrwR_e63_q5mvQ/s1600/david-cameron+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKFFcwxDiLSYqULNtlDn8-bjkzcRCds5DEjDKpwbspb0Jfw3BusxyiCQ_L_v_FlrtD-86wYnh4lEE7Adx3WYI4tnQ7YOiJiCClZ_i8iLC7gPfywZ4h0oG5jxDpmhE6xrwR_e63_q5mvQ/s400/david-cameron+(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British PM David Cameron addressing Unilever on his 2nd India visit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
We pride ourselves on the fact that Pepper Trails is not just about eating good food but also about exploring the story behind its conception; how a dish is made, what its history is and how a guest can take the memory of that taste back to the part of the world he/ she calls home.</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When the British PM David Cameron remarked about Kerala's famous "<i>Meen"</i> (fish) curry, I couldn't help sitting back and smiling smugly thinking back to plenty of occasions where our guests had satiated themselves on delicious bits of "<i>Meen Pollichathu" </i>and a lot more. Kerala cuisine in a British household! Who would have thought... </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our famous motto of letting the experience and memory linger forever was also featured in their official blog by ResPublica Consulting at <a href="http://respublicaconsulting.wordpress.com/2013/02/19/david-cameron-and-the-great-kerala-fish-curry-2/">http://respublicaconsulting.wordpress.com/2013/02/19/david-cameron-and-the-great-kerala-fish-curry-2/</a></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The tastes of Kerala have truly gone international!...</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00751203116412280308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928641871441594238.post-16576536158182204862013-02-01T01:56:00.003-08:002013-02-03T21:29:28.711-08:00A home cooked meal with Deborah and Diana<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Had a great time hosting a meal for Deborah and Diana yesterday. Our guests from Malta had a taste of authentic Kerala cuisine over a traditional meal. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Deborah Attard:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">This was a very good </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">introduction</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> to Kerala. What a lovely welcome! The cooking lesson was simple and interesting and the family provided a warm atmosphere. Charles and Isaac provided all the entertainment! So cute. Will definitely email if we have any difficulties with cooking</span></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; line-height: 115%;">.Well done, keep it up, Thank you...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><b>Diana Mifsud:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Warm and lovely welcome into the Pepper Trails home.The spicy coconut cocktail is a good ice- breaker. Cooking the recipes was informative and the lady of the house made everything seem easy. Food was excellent as was the company especially the two kids. Lovely culinary experience overall,keep it up!..</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Hoping you will visit again someday. Thank you for the wonderful words Deborah and Diana!</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThaZyJbLNI_tQ0gLeQb6brragc5XLCkpMMLWWHKAIvPIS2AbBqF1hxuk-vRjlAezX_H_anLppXuVK3E9qz8NEXvJgXJRa5czqpiAYgMuNtdhNB-1JSd2WAOw90kIIdQWxFP6lZIhYwIM/s1600/isaac+n+guests.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThaZyJbLNI_tQ0gLeQb6brragc5XLCkpMMLWWHKAIvPIS2AbBqF1hxuk-vRjlAezX_H_anLppXuVK3E9qz8NEXvJgXJRa5czqpiAYgMuNtdhNB-1JSd2WAOw90kIIdQWxFP6lZIhYwIM/s320/isaac+n+guests.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In and around the garden with Isaac</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjimf9dopzo0_Y1Ub9s4RcZYU3oSnl6dhVINT5bLPGlolSzHkVU_CCNR-xzbn1o4i3bAWAkHjtljGzjFDaLaFVyks0Zquzag6XxScqRrOPrZfBaSlKSKKhpuc8fzCkHLH3c_gP6nAsks/s1600/DSC04961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjimf9dopzo0_Y1Ub9s4RcZYU3oSnl6dhVINT5bLPGlolSzHkVU_CCNR-xzbn1o4i3bAWAkHjtljGzjFDaLaFVyks0Zquzag6XxScqRrOPrZfBaSlKSKKhpuc8fzCkHLH3c_gP6nAsks/s1600/DSC04961.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning a recipe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl12qI4Khf4mF75qVfI8_hAdY1eloZD-WhVWJSPA2NmB28xgZDeRNgBeXIpPyx9SzSRbbRVVtxOFuhuTmvur8s83mGfb2-YUYtV2-ao9pTl1DmvzPUT11qLOxNxuIePUsmUjq8vtXuL3A/s1600/DSC04984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl12qI4Khf4mF75qVfI8_hAdY1eloZD-WhVWJSPA2NmB28xgZDeRNgBeXIpPyx9SzSRbbRVVtxOFuhuTmvur8s83mGfb2-YUYtV2-ao9pTl1DmvzPUT11qLOxNxuIePUsmUjq8vtXuL3A/s1600/DSC04984.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Charles and Isaac</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2pkBwyvfvS54rGJ7TaXtb8XQ7j6rsc_JLOOAfojClN97JeMxuWGC-q7Pr-XONl1AJx_b3QFSxWQub1xROS6YRuh6AO8BoNu_HeaUFAvV1BXS-ahWDT_-NSDI-2ri23BVdpOFEfhkFKw/s1600/DSC04986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2pkBwyvfvS54rGJ7TaXtb8XQ7j6rsc_JLOOAfojClN97JeMxuWGC-q7Pr-XONl1AJx_b3QFSxWQub1xROS6YRuh6AO8BoNu_HeaUFAvV1BXS-ahWDT_-NSDI-2ri23BVdpOFEfhkFKw/s1600/DSC04986.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting down to a hearty meal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00751203116412280308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928641871441594238.post-14803404437309635622012-12-17T21:06:00.000-08:002012-12-17T21:07:39.621-08:00Culture n' Cuisine at Pepper Trails!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We were wondering how to give inbound travelers a holistic taste of Kerala. Since cuisine is always a legacy of culture and reflects the same, we decided to unveil a complete Kerala experience. From <i>panchavadyam</i> to coconut tree climbing, we have a mini- festival all set to go!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">More about this exotic experience was featured on <b>ChefAtLarge.in</b>, one of India's foremost sites dedicated to the love of good food. Here's showing off our little spot in the limelight:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://chefatlarge.in/listings/exotic-kerala-experience-for-inbound-travelers-on-cruises-and-chartered-flights.html</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pepper Trails's innovative Kerala Platter for November guests was also featured here:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://chefatlarge.in/listings/mumbai-listings/pepper-trails-to-lure-november-guests-with-traditional-kerala-platter-2.html</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bon appetit!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00751203116412280308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928641871441594238.post-80525767169517416682012-10-02T21:33:00.000-07:002012-10-03T03:27:00.070-07:00Recipe for "Mezhukkupuratti"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Mezhukkupuratti </b><span style="text-align: justify;">literally means ‘coated with oil’, though the dish is not all that greasy as it sounds. Vegetables are steamed/ boiled with a little water and tossed with seasoned oil which acts as a dressing. A variety of vegetables can be cooked using this recipe and it is the most popular method of conjuring up a quick curry to go with any meal any day!</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
<span class="mw-headline">This simple dish is also a healthy option that
does not invite too many calories. A typical Kerala style lunch or dinner is
never complete without a </span><i>mezhukkupuratti </i>made of veggies available at
hand, simple spices and a slight tempering to retain the sharp flavors.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigQDPzGWF8zJwhZm2GLr8Aqz99ngOx_61ERn_2UXvaFyvJYGjQphvpX7fUKmda1hva9yCQ7A6BHVYv7asUaByx08kMfh19B3-clmcs9hLhAXXMvIgC8EDl1UVTalsv-HqAN8u3KTBcVY/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigQDPzGWF8zJwhZm2GLr8Aqz99ngOx_61ERn_2UXvaFyvJYGjQphvpX7fUKmda1hva9yCQ7A6BHVYv7asUaByx08kMfh19B3-clmcs9hLhAXXMvIgC8EDl1UVTalsv-HqAN8u3KTBcVY/s320/6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span class="mw-headline">Ingredients
</span><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">½ kg raw banana</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">10 whole red chilies</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 teaspoon turmeric powder</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Curry leaves</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">10 garlic cloves<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5 shallots<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 teaspoon pepper powder<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">coconut oil<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">salt to taste<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Procedure<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Chop
the raw bananas into small pieces and cook it with water, salt and turmeric
powder. Heat oil in a pan and sauté the
crushed red chilies, garlic cloves, shallots, curry leaves and powdered
pepper. When it starts roasting and
changes color, add the cooked raw bananas into the pan. Keep it on a low flame till the water evaporates
completely. </span>This is one of the best side
dishes to accompany rice.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00751203116412280308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928641871441594238.post-37387457145087320682012-10-01T05:09:00.000-07:002012-10-01T05:09:29.270-07:00With the Swiss- German Delegation...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pepper Trails hosted a 12- member top level German- Swiss travel agents group last April, brought to India exclusively by Kerala Voyages, a leading inbound travel company specializing in experience tourism, on a familiarization trip.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was one of the largest German speaking agents' delegation to Kerala in the recent years. The group consisted of many special interest tour operators including Windrose Finest Travel GmbH who specializes in luxury experiences, Freun Unterwegs Freun Reisen GmbH and LT Travel AG specializing in women tours, Ultramer Touristik Sud GmBH specializing in group travel to India, Urlaubsrenner, Globus Reisen and Thomas Cook Touristik GmbH. Many of these agents were travelling for the first time to Kerala.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At the Pepper Trails kitchen, we hosted a special edition culinary show for the delegation showcasing the traditional hospitality of Kerala households and t's own culinary delicacies. there was a live cooking demonstration for our guests and I took them through the process of making Appam, Puttu, Kadalakkari, Meen Pollichathu, Meen Peera and Potato Mezhukkupiratty; apart from giving them an opportunity to taste the freshly prepared dishes.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was a heartwarming experience indeed to share Kerala's culinary heritage with our new found German friends!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3XLUuBpWR711QdlGPVJ5MkS0fb5xhOFLbfwRwGCmWi9isupQ10G8rE2itSDyK-6ZX5NPZ0nc7X29wZv42vljZxqE9D2UksneeloECp1AKTNkcJsFXW4DKKPVhbXzV6o_KxVG0yDqjOY/s1600/img3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3XLUuBpWR711QdlGPVJ5MkS0fb5xhOFLbfwRwGCmWi9isupQ10G8rE2itSDyK-6ZX5NPZ0nc7X29wZv42vljZxqE9D2UksneeloECp1AKTNkcJsFXW4DKKPVhbXzV6o_KxVG0yDqjOY/s320/img3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Discovering some mouth watering recipes</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIN20q5x03lAYsC-2R6Bp8l4LJVpfvKU6vTuL9MlaTXibvgZaX6k0dDgNbsLLy85zmijm1AIFJp9X5O7fiS2S_qbrOuRUj4Rm8ADg_7Ag242qrKQZC6zP54lrpN9XtXQvZ8e_xErvkvGw/s1600/img4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIN20q5x03lAYsC-2R6Bp8l4LJVpfvKU6vTuL9MlaTXibvgZaX6k0dDgNbsLLy85zmijm1AIFJp9X5O7fiS2S_qbrOuRUj4Rm8ADg_7Ag242qrKQZC6zP54lrpN9XtXQvZ8e_xErvkvGw/s320/img4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A sumptuous dinner at Pepper Trails</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0poHdQdTSJV_7_usFSWtDnlE7EvM3rGfEv40HkZ4v9DzZsJ3Zr73is5WU9OWCqWDtl4SFsJtdQg7mPzPK-BVSVp3IM21XI9lm350QJI8VOscsRnXKqJTcTbHkho-3PrgOcoWya3ntic/s1600/img.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0poHdQdTSJV_7_usFSWtDnlE7EvM3rGfEv40HkZ4v9DzZsJ3Zr73is5WU9OWCqWDtl4SFsJtdQg7mPzPK-BVSVp3IM21XI9lm350QJI8VOscsRnXKqJTcTbHkho-3PrgOcoWya3ntic/s320/img.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"<i>Food is music to the body, music is food to the heart</i>"- Gregory David Roberts</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbioUyvjgrJAU380fGRg-A6Sp8d0rRr6M7pKn31nOiq8YG27_uLG_YdWe3odf_W6knBKqm-Rpk4h0zc70-3G6LkQ4vGDE3xeXjuzjrTYynsYKi-XuAXLk3C5sNduSRzdaNRMMkaW7FEWw/s1600/img2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbioUyvjgrJAU380fGRg-A6Sp8d0rRr6M7pKn31nOiq8YG27_uLG_YdWe3odf_W6knBKqm-Rpk4h0zc70-3G6LkQ4vGDE3xeXjuzjrTYynsYKi-XuAXLk3C5sNduSRzdaNRMMkaW7FEWw/s320/img2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A cooking demo in full swing</div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00751203116412280308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928641871441594238.post-85485551492971909772012-09-28T04:30:00.000-07:002012-09-28T04:30:34.407-07:00A day with the Master Sommelier...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MbQYG7KthERcpL4jwrLDs8T5sAnJy3HuflSRVdK2a7HwDtIk-aQ3j9_PT2LcxLwJ_qHMH88Vl40Hdg9bYKf5HZ5Q56ZLZ_FkuNUsDmD1XTIal7mLknPWsOVu9kvQoWuzMaPfjFo5Pfc/s1600/goldstein_300x289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MbQYG7KthERcpL4jwrLDs8T5sAnJy3HuflSRVdK2a7HwDtIk-aQ3j9_PT2LcxLwJ_qHMH88Vl40Hdg9bYKf5HZ5Q56ZLZ_FkuNUsDmD1XTIal7mLknPWsOVu9kvQoWuzMaPfjFo5Pfc/s200/goldstein_300x289.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Evan Goldstein</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Evan Goldstein is one of America’s foremost
sommeliers. He is also one of the most prolific food and wine veterans around
the world. </span><span style="color: #404040; line-height: 115%;">Since 1990 Evan has created education programs, wine
training and service hospitality schools with Seagram Chateau & Estates
Wines Company, Diageo, Allied Domecq, and most recently, as the Vice President
of Global Wine & Brand Education at Beam Wine Estates. In addition, Evan
continues to train and examine candidates for the Court of Master Sommeliers as
a Founding Board member.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #404040; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #404040; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Evan is also a
regular editorial contributor to America’s <b><i>Santé </i></b>magazine,
a contributing editor for <b><i>Wine & Dine </i></b>and <b><i>Indulgence </i></b>magazines
in Singapore, is the American wine correspondent for <b><i>Wine Review</i></b>,
South Korea’s leading wine and food magazine, and is a recurring guest wine
expert on NBC’s syndicated television show “In Wine Country.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #404040; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #404040; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So you can imagine the delight at the Pepper Trails
home when we had a chance to host Mr. Goldstein and his family in August 2009.
Evan tried his hand at making Appam and even suggested a few daring combos of
Indian food and gourmet wine. I, for one, was quite amused to find that an
ordinary appam and stew could be paired with an Austrian Gurner Veltliner or
German Riesling, Pinot Gris from Alsace or a Rosado from Alvarra, Spain. He
suggested reds such as Pinot noir, Cote De Nuits Villages and whites like
German Riesling and unoaked Spanish Albarino to go with the traditional
succulent Meen Pollichathu. A young, tawny port would tango well with Payasam,
according to Goldstein, who recommended German sweet wine or Sauterne to
accompany it.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #404040; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OLhz8js0JVnc7xXokFg71LO0cZjZ0gs0BVaPntzrI-6i0e1KBZdYKLr6hHKmQvszv0W_wunAnm_zo5hos8H2UbEvLvjiKF7NR8BDUSTNMxnsG14GV1jrfYQppuZHpaf6E5p7-VEpARY/s1600/Evan+@ppr+trls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OLhz8js0JVnc7xXokFg71LO0cZjZ0gs0BVaPntzrI-6i0e1KBZdYKLr6hHKmQvszv0W_wunAnm_zo5hos8H2UbEvLvjiKF7NR8BDUSTNMxnsG14GV1jrfYQppuZHpaf6E5p7-VEpARY/s320/Evan+@ppr+trls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A hands on cooking experience for the Goldsteins</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8SSp8AUdMHldP4LiVaH9b7dINdOe6Ygtfo4HDWS9Cp0ZEbB9kk_mpevQ9F607-4A2Y7n_TNhNonUgue9GYkBXZ-7H3vLbqGdAv8xLRug0KswHCfD0rHNWNvKrJxtCQwzHXYSsjdmiqlQ/s1600/Evan+%2540+ppr+trls+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8SSp8AUdMHldP4LiVaH9b7dINdOe6Ygtfo4HDWS9Cp0ZEbB9kk_mpevQ9F607-4A2Y7n_TNhNonUgue9GYkBXZ-7H3vLbqGdAv8xLRug0KswHCfD0rHNWNvKrJxtCQwzHXYSsjdmiqlQ/s320/Evan+%2540+ppr+trls+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Evan and his family at the Pepper Trails table</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #404040; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00751203116412280308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928641871441594238.post-85411033643007652342012-09-26T03:26:00.002-07:002012-09-28T00:54:41.530-07:00A Kitchen in God’s Own Country…<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The heritage of India
is as vast as the size of the country. One of the oldest civilizations in the
world, its heritage is rich in customs and traditions; India is a beautifully
blended potpourri of so many different cultures coexisting in harmony. With the
motto ‘Athithi Devo Bhavah’ meaning the guest is God, you will find the
hospitality of India pleasing. The food is an important part of any culture.
For many visiting tourists Indian food is full of variety and the taste is
simply unforgettable.<span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">An equable climate, a
long shoreline with serene beaches, tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters,
lush hill stations, exotic wildlife, waterfalls, sprawling plantations, paddy
fields, enchanting art forms, magic festivals, historic and cultural monuments
and the splendid cuisine; what more can a traveler ask for in Kerala, God’s Own
Country? Kerala’s culinary tradition is also closely connected to its history,
culture and geography, with richness in its vegetarian and non vegetarian fare,
be it fish, poultry or meat.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As one delves further,
the sparkle of Ernakulam emerges. One of the world’s finest natural harbors,
Kochi is the commercial capital of Kerala and is known as the ‘Queen of The
Arabian Sea’. Even today, Ernakulam continues the tradition of welcoming
visitors with its customary warmth and hospitality.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Kakkanad is the nearest
green landscape to Kochi. As one travels from Ernakulam to Kakkanad, there are
tall trees, valleys and flat pastures. Even though many paddy fields have been
converted into residential plots the green landscape is still dominant in
Kakkanad. The effect is particularly stunning during the rainy season, with the
whole landscape glistening brilliantly green through a coat of water.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">In this verdant world is
situated Pepper Trails, the perfect link of all the elements with taste. Here
authentic ethnic cooking is delivered along with novelty, a sense of
well-being, food derived pleasure and excitement. What makes our Pepper Trails
platter exquisite is the picturesque post card backdrop. It will be with a
tinge of nostalgia and a smile that you will remember this pursuit of Kerala
cooking with us. This befitting lush </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">ambiance,</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> in the idyllic milieu of a
typical Malayali home makes every bite fit for a gourmand’s memoir!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwPFKHkvilen6bpBUcHd8xHXq3j3Tlw3oHmPxN7W6_DsugG90BX-hpI37wM_8-CE1BlpneutQoxPA4Bjp62kX56GKsa92_tg4usjPxV8T6EsYa0dGYEnh9NyEBVndi-oPorv3dKxNU0o/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwPFKHkvilen6bpBUcHd8xHXq3j3Tlw3oHmPxN7W6_DsugG90BX-hpI37wM_8-CE1BlpneutQoxPA4Bjp62kX56GKsa92_tg4usjPxV8T6EsYa0dGYEnh9NyEBVndi-oPorv3dKxNU0o/s320/DSC_0018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Pepper Trails home</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOk9EghtTn4XkUswk-LT9yuGM78Vh7ZzmyoFzvyKs7Ze_9P-ExvPdCdMOICULuAYwgAvABNY5_oLq0FZiYOI8a4ju8B3GQjzS0lnjfnk_6mZCJ4W1U9ezLqg5RklhO48DQOgCdKTiZpok/s1600/hse+viw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOk9EghtTn4XkUswk-LT9yuGM78Vh7ZzmyoFzvyKs7Ze_9P-ExvPdCdMOICULuAYwgAvABNY5_oLq0FZiYOI8a4ju8B3GQjzS0lnjfnk_6mZCJ4W1U9ezLqg5RklhO48DQOgCdKTiZpok/s320/hse+viw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A view of our garden</div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9mOoE9jI13y22O5ZhhVovCvRIG95Ou1XpjCOX1QLz0_ObYKWJwibYh7P1gSZVMQRrlRIzR1g8NV7hHuXbeoB3EPeIbnzlt0x-lkqcYWdOJW_94QjUXNOfDdp7ru1Ug29CP8Oj0xLPlg/s1600/Picture+397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9mOoE9jI13y22O5ZhhVovCvRIG95Ou1XpjCOX1QLz0_ObYKWJwibYh7P1gSZVMQRrlRIzR1g8NV7hHuXbeoB3EPeIbnzlt0x-lkqcYWdOJW_94QjUXNOfDdp7ru1Ug29CP8Oj0xLPlg/s320/Picture+397.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Isaac and Charley, out on a summer day</div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Take a pleasant walk in
our garden, where guests are familiarized with the various methods in which
organic plants and fruits are cultivated, and eventually find their way into
the food, graced with the unparalleled flavors, spices and cooking styles
of Kerala.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsMrT_YDkTC8EAnVNx60K2q7aBCb7OuRgjb-Ef-GByRfR_DzklIBCfmL3Ib11WlHZ6oZC-zM5q7VkGo5LTHuno-7Swf6GVUoSeHFJM9W703yhu5iOhFr1ASlh-0ITCg9GEg6Z4AwHh3Q/s1600/chldrn+grdn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsMrT_YDkTC8EAnVNx60K2q7aBCb7OuRgjb-Ef-GByRfR_DzklIBCfmL3Ib11WlHZ6oZC-zM5q7VkGo5LTHuno-7Swf6GVUoSeHFJM9W703yhu5iOhFr1ASlh-0ITCg9GEg6Z4AwHh3Q/s320/chldrn+grdn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The young hosts with guests in the garden</div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRByY4pje8pp0wWTTg0bFPtKhQnrj3bh7MiSbMXIrAhnCv2SaV80rbKqZwR2g_pgMiwalcIYD0eM9ZW6yjNRqI-H2NoFxygYwayOEvA-xZEUQIwkKPE54PSofFeoIlI-sHhAH9XyYxsY/s1600/DSC_0232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRByY4pje8pp0wWTTg0bFPtKhQnrj3bh7MiSbMXIrAhnCv2SaV80rbKqZwR2g_pgMiwalcIYD0eM9ZW6yjNRqI-H2NoFxygYwayOEvA-xZEUQIwkKPE54PSofFeoIlI-sHhAH9XyYxsY/s320/DSC_0232.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A guest in our kitchen garden</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The design for the
Pepper Trails brochure was inspired by the evergreen quotes of a gourmet
specialist and oenologist.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWZ8Bk-xTd4Zc7Iapbzhn8B9dDb8ZHxi8jgLU7a3EU2H9XZcqZ6A2-mh2D8OXk6kGo2cAxR7VCeskl-MzlUolcG3legdcbDiVsa_p3kk7-Odcm9kNRXYTdqQgoVKC48Y690CYrYm8szQ/s1600/LEAFLET+FRONT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiWZ8Bk-xTd4Zc7Iapbzhn8B9dDb8ZHxi8jgLU7a3EU2H9XZcqZ6A2-mh2D8OXk6kGo2cAxR7VCeskl-MzlUolcG3legdcbDiVsa_p3kk7-Odcm9kNRXYTdqQgoVKC48Y690CYrYm8szQ/s400/LEAFLET+FRONT.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNd8Vl6uMRuMLEq6vSERSVqcPYYbgvKRv38yaI_U5zxTxDonWIqVqLbQTHImh2wWMRuqqMNO3oa2Yxo9XdA0XmrigD61oReJxmPIwWRh6CLakKg11WAhokihRBw_Rg74y7gSUgFpEXeg/s1600/LEAFLET+INNER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNd8Vl6uMRuMLEq6vSERSVqcPYYbgvKRv38yaI_U5zxTxDonWIqVqLbQTHImh2wWMRuqqMNO3oa2Yxo9XdA0XmrigD61oReJxmPIwWRh6CLakKg11WAhokihRBw_Rg74y7gSUgFpEXeg/s400/LEAFLET+INNER.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;">“</span><i style="line-height: 115%;">The precise moment when a 27-year-old Chignon red splashes over the
taste buds in a warm wave following on a pink chunk of lamb just lifted out of
the fireplace, Puisais notes, will never be reproduced. The ambient air will
never be quite the same…But the memory of the moment will live on…” -</i><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Jacques Puisais</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the words of the famous Philosopher of Taste,
Jacques Puisais, one can’t sell taste. That precise moment when a friend’s
laughter reaches your ears and you sit down for a hearty homemade dinner at
dusk, when that bit of spice touches your taste buds, can’t be reproduced
either!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">When you come to Pepper
Trails, you are essentially visiting the haven where the world comes to explore
Kerala’s cuisine adventure. </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Just as a
picturesque landscape soothes the eye, soulful music calms the spirit and an
ayurvedic massage relaxes the body, Pepper Trails offers ethnic delicacies to
tickle your taste buds, in a most memorable </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">ambiance</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaS4cX-gBZRKTP2tE_8DnBEZ6fqR3AEdcBK5xA8ZqcpTKH9oMqkD55OOmKovhwti2kFlyX9h6UBTDE6ODHNf1wfYb1v2RcCnT69iwL-Pe9QMMa0LMdn5I4I2N8-SkQhW8_dRYGvpoF9fg/s1600/Picture+391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaS4cX-gBZRKTP2tE_8DnBEZ6fqR3AEdcBK5xA8ZqcpTKH9oMqkD55OOmKovhwti2kFlyX9h6UBTDE6ODHNf1wfYb1v2RcCnT69iwL-Pe9QMMa0LMdn5I4I2N8-SkQhW8_dRYGvpoF9fg/s320/Picture+391.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The last rays; a view from Pepper Trails</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00751203116412280308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928641871441594238.post-38140311268339613772012-09-20T01:36:00.002-07:002012-09-20T01:41:06.670-07:00Recipe for "Appam"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Appam</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">, a
fermented rice pancake, is a specialty of Kerala. It is especially popular
among the Christian communities of the state. If you look at its history, the a<span class="hl1">ppam is supposed to have been introduced by the Portuguese centuries
ago, from Ceylon.</span></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span class="hl1" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="hl1"><span style="font-size: small;">Often called 'plain hoppers' in English, the appam can be made with slight variations. </span></span></span><span class="hl1" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Its mild flavors usually gel best with a </span>savory<span style="font-size: small;"> curry seasoned with traditional spices and condiments. It is usually </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">eaten as a starter for lunch, dinner or
even as the main dish for breakfast. This simple recipe shows how a soft and
easy to cook appam can be made. It is often served along with a vegetable stew
in coconut sauce. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4v7Un_qf9w_f3FFbxwbH0xYEQtYvkIzdX44lxNPfAa2KiEy84RUDFMJaPT79IOplV1Z0T-02HDF-gp-pTw5mz5dp_sGS8wFBfdnKzXKHU0cbMUcTtgA2rWcGQIU9ZpJpJSeXVPZBSbfw/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4v7Un_qf9w_f3FFbxwbH0xYEQtYvkIzdX44lxNPfAa2KiEy84RUDFMJaPT79IOplV1Z0T-02HDF-gp-pTw5mz5dp_sGS8wFBfdnKzXKHU0cbMUcTtgA2rWcGQIU9ZpJpJSeXVPZBSbfw/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="mw-headline"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"> Ingredients
for 10 Appams</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 cup uncooked white raw rice</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">½ cup cooked rice.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 tea spoon urd bean/ urad
dal,(skinned black gram) </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 teaspoon salt, or to
taste</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">water for
soaking rice, ½ cup for grinding</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">½ teaspoon yeast</span></li>
</ul>
<h3 style="margin-left: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Procedure:<o:p></o:p></span></b></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Soak the urad bean and raw rice in water
for four hours. Grind the soaked items till the batter becomes smooth and
reaches a single cream consistency. Beat half a cup of cooked rice in a blender
and mix it into the batter. Also stir in the yeast in half a teaspoon of
lukewarm water, as well as 5 teaspoons of sugar. Transfer the batter into a
wide mouthed container and keep aside for 6-8 hours, preferably overnight. The
next morning the batter will have doubled. Add salt to taste. The batter can be
refrigerated for later use.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To fry the appams, use a <span style="color: black;">tava</span> or a small
bowl-shaped pan which has either been dabbed with oil or which has a non-stick
coating. Pour a full spoon of batter into the middle of the tava. Slowly rotate
the pan so that a thin layer forms on the sides and the middle remains thick.
Cover the pan with a lid and remove the appam with a spatula after 2-3 minutes,
when the sides become slightly brown. Serve hot.</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tips:</span></b></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The batter
<i>should</i> ferment overnight without any added starter, but often <i>won't</i>.
Yeast (or better still, kefir) can be added to help it ferment.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">The grinding can be done in a blender. Make
sure that there is enough liquid in the blender so that the mixture swirls and
grinds properly. </span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00751203116412280308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928641871441594238.post-71697690240065759522012-09-18T01:26:00.000-07:002012-09-18T01:26:05.947-07:00The Junior League...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There is nothing more uplifting than hearing a child’s
giggle. When weary guests walk into the Pepper Trails home, there are four
extremely wonderful hosts who rush to welcome you. Their open grins and
incessant chatter bring a smile to one’s face. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjff3Krk1er5Vack1XTzUcUwQAFxuZAdqqrZLzXJNB144OpQ_VW295n_iJkkzkDUwREhtUeelbZ9oF3KOZ8_DC_nsWQGypQIUQ0x7Pu02JN4N8twx6KxidzZwMKjiAnM92_kjNoYAKjxpk/s1600/Welcoming+guests.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjff3Krk1er5Vack1XTzUcUwQAFxuZAdqqrZLzXJNB144OpQ_VW295n_iJkkzkDUwREhtUeelbZ9oF3KOZ8_DC_nsWQGypQIUQ0x7Pu02JN4N8twx6KxidzZwMKjiAnM92_kjNoYAKjxpk/s200/Welcoming+guests.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAHy7CnrcwmV9HUFL19v1viEHwcUwsMXQg3r9vJylBJT6SRVTIAAE9c2VCQrBTDrWHM0s0bZCCUhtEN8FtDF0CsuBPvV66XUFSoMqwbyG24eKOE0d2vD9I3rWXZeNs5cQ5g91G2dCI_U/s1600/Kids+with+guests.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAHy7CnrcwmV9HUFL19v1viEHwcUwsMXQg3r9vJylBJT6SRVTIAAE9c2VCQrBTDrWHM0s0bZCCUhtEN8FtDF0CsuBPvV66XUFSoMqwbyG24eKOE0d2vD9I3rWXZeNs5cQ5g91G2dCI_U/s200/Kids+with+guests.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLvhrSscZ6kXA4LhA-CCIfEVSsoUznEWfCGGndGDaKBwbbOVvangPY3H7JMMfMhdF_051RD9_8I2-o9VqK5oawDfqnREecQnckD4JBfM52EdXp44iXmxEX35MmKFt-cxN445It-IoVTk/s1600/Kids+with+guests2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLvhrSscZ6kXA4LhA-CCIfEVSsoUznEWfCGGndGDaKBwbbOVvangPY3H7JMMfMhdF_051RD9_8I2-o9VqK5oawDfqnREecQnckD4JBfM52EdXp44iXmxEX35MmKFt-cxN445It-IoVTk/s200/Kids+with+guests2.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJgbVIlk7ADM4zbrcSVr-YdvXKOmvXUQ7Cl16uv0xQobquvrcIzV2mlt7bMPphq_yBpUqcKW5auoNf7In6U3bSid_dhU-re6x85vPxhl-V0clsrL3syXGZOcK64de_biC1J11yh_KUus/s1600/kids+with+guests3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJgbVIlk7ADM4zbrcSVr-YdvXKOmvXUQ7Cl16uv0xQobquvrcIzV2mlt7bMPphq_yBpUqcKW5auoNf7In6U3bSid_dhU-re6x85vPxhl-V0clsrL3syXGZOcK64de_biC1J11yh_KUus/s200/kids+with+guests3.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Isaac Kishore, Charles Kishore, Malavika Rajesh (Malu) and
Sudipta John (Pathu) are definitely a merry handful. Charles and Isaac are in
the sixth and third grades respectively, at Christu Jayanthi Public School,
Kakkanad. Malu is a second grader at Gregorian
Public School, Maradu. Pathu is a second grader as well and goes to Vidyodaya
School, Thevakkal. No party or culinary demonstration is complete without the
kids reaching out to grab a bite right from the cooking counter when I’m
looking the other way. They are the great explorers of the Pepper Trails lawn;
every tree has been climbed and every flower gazed upon in wonder before anyone
else gets a peek. With their infectious laughter and animated minds it would be
quite an achievement if someone managed to capture all the four looking in the
same direction for at least one photograph!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIlFQf2x_98eMtim8P1oJSt0YTvyZ-j4LRVJS9B4wr-KjxLFZAc7J-apH4MPnaCNy5hLzF8_qGc_jHDjHZxda3VcAtvbN_TsJgiWnP-U7-Jm5_Y-VG_bmcjvLM-HDmNToi2jXFodQkUY/s1600/Isaac+kishore%252C+Malavika+Rajesh%252C+Sudipta+John%252CCharles+Kishore.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIlFQf2x_98eMtim8P1oJSt0YTvyZ-j4LRVJS9B4wr-KjxLFZAc7J-apH4MPnaCNy5hLzF8_qGc_jHDjHZxda3VcAtvbN_TsJgiWnP-U7-Jm5_Y-VG_bmcjvLM-HDmNToi2jXFodQkUY/s320/Isaac+kishore%252C+Malavika+Rajesh%252C+Sudipta+John%252CCharles+Kishore.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><i><b>Isaac, Malavika, Sudipta and Charles</b></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For the kids, a live cooking session at Pepper Trails is a
chance to make new grown up friends and to show off their amusing oratory
skills. Their vivaciousness lends a sense of homeliness and informality to our
enterprise. When sitting down for a sumptuous traditional lunch or dinner, the
little hosts happily join the table with all the vigor of playtime at school.
In a particularly jovial mood, they might even take you for a stroll about the
kitchen garden and the sprawling grounds. </span></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I wonder if a sign board will suffice to advertise our
very own Junior League- “Warning: Pure enjoyment ahead!”</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00751203116412280308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928641871441594238.post-66996757065836219592012-09-17T03:44:00.000-07:002012-09-17T05:25:31.297-07:00...and it is only by them this Trail started...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Each Friendship
represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it
is only by this meeting that a new world is born…” </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> – Anais Nin<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=928641871441594238" name="_GoBack"></a><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If it hadn’t been for my ever faithful paracletes among
family and friends, Pepper Trails would never have happened. Not only did these
dear folks egg me on with the idea of showcasing traditional cuisine, each one
of them contributed their exquisite knowledge and wisdom to the venture.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjQppcnTBATbUXDX88gZMkQkm-PNpz_S9MsaRnXKlTu_FGoAOnmu2EySMUzIQZthjiWpSPoT8Yb7-hUub29O-jFGFRL3XtiFclMDzreqp5stxutkE7LZNU_8-HjjsN2ncmZjRn__uPsY/s1600/George+Scaria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjQppcnTBATbUXDX88gZMkQkm-PNpz_S9MsaRnXKlTu_FGoAOnmu2EySMUzIQZthjiWpSPoT8Yb7-hUub29O-jFGFRL3XtiFclMDzreqp5stxutkE7LZNU_8-HjjsN2ncmZjRn__uPsY/s200/George+Scaria.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">George Scaria is the Managing Director at Kerala Voyages, (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/Keralavoyages"><span style="line-height: 115%;">http://www.facebook.com/Keralavoyages</span></a>)
a leading destination management company. He has two decades of experience in
inbound tourism. He was responsible for expanding the idea of Pepper Trails and
helped us understand how to handle guests from across the globe. By helping
devise tour packages with Kerala Voyages groups, he connected us to many guests
who were thoroughly entertained by our hosting.<span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Rajesh Gopinathan is the Managing Director of Ergo Consulting Services, (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/ergorajesh">http://www.facebook.com/ergorajesh</a>) a premium event
management company in Kerala. His expertise is handy when it comes to
organizing the culinary demonstrations that could otherwise turn so easily into
unmanaged chaos. His wife, Seema Rajesh is the HR Director at ErgoConsulting
Services (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/seema.rajesh.12?ref=ts">http://www.facebook.com/seema.rajesh.12?ref=ts</a>) and helps us
conduct the whole session like a proper event, including engaging guests,
arranging live music, setting the ambience and a lot more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Rajeev Gopinathan is Director at both Ergo Consulting Services and
Kerala Voyages (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/rajeev.gopinathan">http://www.facebook.com/rajeev.gopinathan</a>). His wife Namitha
Rajeev works as Director- CRM at ErgoConsulting Services (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/namitha.rajeev">http://www.facebook.com/namitha.rajeev</a>). Their gregariousness
charms guests who arrive at the Pepper Trails home. They also assist with the
live cooking demos and make it a lively experience for everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3D85deQGcuaawl8dZdsKSkMJ10QNjKpzKbmLgwbGBfOX56tlWtVGJSknrqx6ed1fUqFyNT3GZtLnhqD7TyQqfbh-VLasHS6XoaRbRA9QxbJMJqGzpVC9dUoJKrnEGikRTjDVTKPdWSTU/s1600/Namitha%252BSeema%252BRajesh%252BRajeev.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3D85deQGcuaawl8dZdsKSkMJ10QNjKpzKbmLgwbGBfOX56tlWtVGJSknrqx6ed1fUqFyNT3GZtLnhqD7TyQqfbh-VLasHS6XoaRbRA9QxbJMJqGzpVC9dUoJKrnEGikRTjDVTKPdWSTU/s320/Namitha%252BSeema%252BRajesh%252BRajeev.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <i>Guests enjoying a lighter moment with Namitha, Seema, Rajesh and Rajeev</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> With such amazing friends in tow, playing host
is a pleasurable task and our cooking sessions become a fun- filled picnic
every single time!</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00751203116412280308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928641871441594238.post-52757927390660782852012-09-14T05:40:00.000-07:002012-09-17T05:22:44.201-07:00The Backseat Driver...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUe53_qAoPY575YPogFof2vtA3PGinWpc_ylOQy7r216hvZVmTDm9rz0Ip95Mxe2wUToG2HM35I0zyf_X7mvrQkSt3XnsUlv2pU7hzyfXMu3R-sLDPX7FineU74AlWdLADcNV6rKnUMjw/s1600/Kishore.jpg" imageanchor="0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUe53_qAoPY575YPogFof2vtA3PGinWpc_ylOQy7r216hvZVmTDm9rz0Ip95Mxe2wUToG2HM35I0zyf_X7mvrQkSt3XnsUlv2pU7hzyfXMu3R-sLDPX7FineU74AlWdLADcNV6rKnUMjw/s200/Kishore.jpg" width="190" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #######; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(<a href="http://www.facebook.com/kishore.charley">http://www.facebook.com/kishore.charley</a>)</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #######;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My husband,
Kishore, has been my biggest supporter all along the way. He’s the reason my
brainchild has been translated to reality. He makes sure that our guests get
the most uncompromising experience of authentic Kerala possible. He is a
generous host and the main coordinator behind Pepper Trails. He will be the
first friendly face to greet guests, never tires of leading them around the
garden and engages them in small talk. It is his open welcome and friendliness
that lends warmth to Pepper Trails and makes it a “homely” culinary adventure.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #######;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Kishore is a
graduate in Law from The Indian Law Society, Pune along with an MBA in Human
Resource Management. His love for nature comes from growing up in
Kothamangalam, one of the most verdant places in Kerala. He belongs to the
Pittapillil family, an illustrious clan famous for cultivating spice and rubber
plantations. They were renowned spice traders since the colonial times and had
supplied spices to The East India Company as early as the 18<sup>th</sup>
century.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #######;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today, the
Pittappillils continue to maintain rubber, coconut, spice, vanilla and
pineapple plantations in the foothills of the Western Ghats, the grand mountain
ranges considered as the gateway to the Kerala High Ranges, east of Kochi city.
It is no wonder that I manage to mingle so well with his family, given their
love and care for all things fresh and green!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #######;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As a latter
day scion, my husband brings in his knowledge of nature, love for food and his
natural flair for hospitality to the Pepper Trails kitchen. Nowadays he has
taken to conceptualizing and developing Pepper Trails farm tourism as well.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<div style="background-color: transparent;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoDjb4bqEh86u5WwcQhL7zS75ACJ0NuAa5WYR4ZbBg2yY_IemwbpKbJT0WcG6jsyYifXscdrUsRVyGP5VixMUpdIFg-GZtCV9CxI6mhAgaWhzeVSnBrvn4pjrumWa8h0CQzAb0ZaXJiw/s1600/With+guests.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoDjb4bqEh86u5WwcQhL7zS75ACJ0NuAa5WYR4ZbBg2yY_IemwbpKbJT0WcG6jsyYifXscdrUsRVyGP5VixMUpdIFg-GZtCV9CxI6mhAgaWhzeVSnBrvn4pjrumWa8h0CQzAb0ZaXJiw/s320/With+guests.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #######; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #######; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><i><b>Kishore and myself- at dinner with the guests from Germany</b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #######; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00751203116412280308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928641871441594238.post-66013450898135765642012-09-12T04:55:00.001-07:002012-09-13T23:23:47.501-07:00Recipe for "Meen Pollichathu"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Meen Pollichathu, (</b>Roasted fish in a banana leaf wrap) is a must
try local delicacy generally prepared with fresh Karimeen (Pearl Spot) or Seer
fish. The anecdote of foreigners mispronouncing "Meen pollichathu" as "meen polli chatthoo" is a popular one- the former translating as "roasted fish" and the latter meaning "the fish burnt to death"! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is one of the most sought after dishes from the traditional cuisine of Central Kerala; the recipe being born in the homes of Malayali Syrian Christians. The fish is marinated to lend it a tangy taste, fried and sauteed in a ground paste of onions, ginger, garlic and tomatoes and later cooked inside a banana leaf. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once the banana leaf is opened one's nostrils are assaulted with the spicy aroma of the fish and the fresh fragrance of curry leaves. Beneath the layer of gravy, the fish will be cooked to perfection and the all the flavors from the various spices and the marinade would have seeped into the flesh, making each melt-in-the-mouth bite a yummy firework!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAs16bW72sn5NQbzfe5kSEyAJT48BFFXh9NX0IoZn-5qBWpS2xTXmE2KSgdQqYCEQEv8WpnPDX7aczwEbRVnJez2wahl2vyqcCnVWbnTvqqY7qfa4ZJgzow9dNsMgNVWSCFlZZe7fycU/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAs16bW72sn5NQbzfe5kSEyAJT48BFFXh9NX0IoZn-5qBWpS2xTXmE2KSgdQqYCEQEv8WpnPDX7aczwEbRVnJez2wahl2vyqcCnVWbnTvqqY7qfa4ZJgzow9dNsMgNVWSCFlZZe7fycU/s1600/4.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="mw-headline"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ingredients
for marinade:</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">½ teaspoon chilly powder (or
to taste)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">¼ teaspoon turmeric powder</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">¼ teaspoon ground pepper </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">salt to
taste</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Coconut oil </span></li>
</ul>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="mw-headline"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ingredients
for gravy:</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">½ teaspoon chilly powder </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">½ teaspoon turmeric powder</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> ½ teaspoon pepper powder </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 big onions</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8 garlic cloves</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Small piece of ginger</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Curry leaves</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tomato</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Salt to taste</span></li>
</ul>
<h2>
<span class="mw-headline"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ingredients
for the wrap:<o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Banana leaf – big enough to
wrap the fish from all sides</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Coconut milk for boiling the
cooked fish</span></li>
</ul>
<h3 style="margin-left: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Procedure:<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Clean the fish thoroughly and cover with marinade. Keep
aside for a few minutes. Shallow fry in coconut oil.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Chop all the ingredients for the gravy. Heat two
tablespoons of coconut oil in a pan and add all ingredients except tomato. Add
the chopped tomatoes once the mixture turns golden brown and cook slightly.
Apply this paste on the fried fish.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mildly wilt a fresh and washed banana leaf by keeping it on
a low flame, then cover and wrap the fish completely by folding the leaf. Boil
the wrapped fish in coconut milk for a few minutes and serve hot.</span><span style="font-family: "Kartika","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Kartika;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00751203116412280308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-928641871441594238.post-73214576477014675432012-08-24T03:22:00.000-07:002012-10-03T21:02:13.114-07:00The Story of a Tasty Trail...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b> </b> </span>The most precious possessions I have kept with me since
childhood are memories of my mother's kitchen. The smoky fireplace, a pinch of
salt thrown into a soup there, a dash of coconut oil here. The remembrance of a
spicy fish curry makes my mouth water. The feel of a soft, warm appam served on
a banana leaf. No matter how many guests we were to entertain, my mother had a
way of filling their stomachs with the most wondrous food, and the gracious
smile of a hostess. As I grew up in this traditional Malayali Christian
household there were many dreams and hopes I wished to fulfill. Most of all was
the dream of being the mistress of a kitchen overflowing with good food and
love, just like my mother's, filled with a tantalizing aroma…</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /> Years passed and I made a home with my husband and children.
When my recipes started earning a considerable number of fans among friends and
family an idea of catering to a larger audience arose slowly. Not on the scale
of a restaurant, something more personal. Something special that would not just
offer them food on a plate, but also showed them the care and creativity that
went into every dish. And Pepper Trails was born.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPS7KASyNn-UAoq4MDcrIn5dLIufB0JqykHL6q3zlDMWEYWzBPGfc-NvM-cp5K0wGV3O0CbkIcvlM9Rk6E15t44eMwNRGR3sKOOsGNsb_XGPw3QaFJ8NhJuwhKkvmv1KPYxsnrhk1LqQ/s1600/pepper+trail+final+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPS7KASyNn-UAoq4MDcrIn5dLIufB0JqykHL6q3zlDMWEYWzBPGfc-NvM-cp5K0wGV3O0CbkIcvlM9Rk6E15t44eMwNRGR3sKOOsGNsb_XGPw3QaFJ8NhJuwhKkvmv1KPYxsnrhk1LqQ/s200/pepper+trail+final+2.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /> There wasn’t a lot to think about when it came to naming our
venture. I wanted to be able to share a unique experience with globe trotters
and help them understand the legacy of Kerala cuisine. Pepper, known as Black
Gold in India’s colonial past was what lured great explorers like De Almeida
and Da Gama to India. The little black peppercorns, indigenous to the Kerala
soil, enchanted the explorers so much that the business of spices slowly
trailed from the Indian subcontinent to the Middle East, gradually to the
Mediterranean and to Europe.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /> When busy travelers visit our kitchen they often plan a
short stopover of half an hour. Once they immerse themselves in the live
cooking demos, tasting sessions, careless banter and the wholesome fun of
dining with our family, they almost always lose track of time!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />As Pepper Trails beckons to explorers to come and join our
beautiful exploration of traditional cuisine, I sit back and let my mind wander.
I’m back in my mother’s kitchen. Raisins in disarray floating about and vying
for space with roasted cashews that decorate a beef stew in coconut sauce. My
mother’s attention to detail as she garnishes a mouth watering ‘meen
pollichathu’. Almost as if she has a secret she smiles inwardly, stirs a curry,
and flavours it with those legendary peppercorns. The aroma fills my kitchen
again… </span><span style="color: #274e13;"> <b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </b></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00751203116412280308noreply@blogger.com0Kochi, Kerala, India9.9312328 76.26730419.8686698 76.1883401 9.9937958000000009 76.3462681