Frequent Flyers in Africa: A Richer Menu

Frequent Flyers in Africa: A Richer Menu

The World Cup has surely offered Africa a unique opportunity! The once dark skies of Africa are once again open to booming aviation; European and Middle Eastern carriers are building more partnerships with African airlines more than African airlines are building amongst themselves; African Flyers now have a chance to choose amongst a rich variety of frequent Flyer programs and airline alliances! The era of the state airlines, flag carriers, is fading fast and aviation in Africa is surely becoming a “normal business”! So what are the choices available for Africans who virtually live and work at 35,ooo feet?

If you are a frequent flyer, always remember to join airline loyalty programs! It takes a few minutes to sign up these days; just do it on the airline website and get your frequent Flyer ID.Remember to enter this number whenever you are booking a flight; you could get a fare discount, 'free' flights,car rental,luxury hotels,leisure and lifestyle benefits,flight  upgrades, plus lots of goodies when you earn the all important frequent Flyer Miles or points!

There are still not many Frequent Flyer Programs in Africa but when you fly with major legacy carriers like Ethiopian, KQ, SAA or Egypt Air you get a chance to earn points here and there! Air Uganda also offers a FF program in conjunction with Air Mali and Air Burkina but since there is no air bridge between East and West Africa; your options are really limited.  Some smaller innovative budget carriers like Kulula also offer loyalty programs but the real bread and butter is definitely in the “BIG FOUR”

While there are complaints that these programs are tailored for the rich/affluent flyers or that they turn members into mindless drones willing to fly an airline or airline alliance at any cost just to accumulate miles and become ‘Elite’ Club members (Miles Millionaires); these programs can enrich your travel experience in many big ways and mind you, when you don’t claim your miles, you make the airlines way much richer! Airlines are quite innovative when they suck every dime and nickel from your purse so always use your miles to slice the icing a little! Steven Frischling has written a great piece on how not using your miles definitely makes the airlines way much richer!,giving them "free money"

Rewards are meant to make the airlines, hotels and car rental companies rich and keep you flying the airline but they are also made to make you feel very special when you travel. To make you  ” feel like a Star” as the guys at Turkish Airlines would tell you! Air travel used to be a luxury but these days it’s a matter of taking you from point A to B! A little novelty at 35,000 feet, in a posh hotel or in lounge is definitely welcome!

Being in a frequent flyer program offers you some great goodies on your flights. For one, there is the hard earned and sometimes cumbersome flight upgrade! You might book a business class and ‘find yourself’ flying first class on some airlines!

Emirates recently relaunched frequent Flyer program ‘Skywards’ even offers you more goodies including online shopping on Emirates Store and Emirates High Street or a vacation fit for a King in one of Emirates Holidays Hotels! All paid by your miles! You can also earn Skywards Miles by buying souvenirs and stuff on the Emirates stores! South African Airways is also a partner of Emirates’ Skywards program so you can earn miles even on SAA flights!

Ethiopian Airlines too has unveiled hot new services for its Sheba Miles Frequent Flyer Program members till June this year (I am member too).You can stay at the Panorama Hotel in Addis and earn the all important miles and you can also have your Sheba Miles account credited with 5000 miles if you refer a frequent Flyer to Sheba Miles and they attain the Blue Status! Ethiopian Airlines Sheba Miles program is also integrated with Lufthansa’s Miles and More Program! You also earn Sheba Miles when you fly Togolese Start-up ASKY that was launched early this year in which ET owns a 25% share.

Kenya Airways Flying Blue program which is in conjunction with KLM/Air France allows you to accumulate miles in 45 destinations serviced by the Kenyan carrier including 38 African destinations, some solid Pan African Miles! On top of these is the seamless access to major European hubs!

If you’ll be in South Africa, don’t forget to explore the magic and humour of Kulula, the airline that “does not take itself too seriously”, for inter city travel and along the way, you can sign up for the Kulula Jetsetter frequent Flyer Program!

Uganda’s carrier, Air Uganda, owned by the Aga Khan Fund for International Development offers frequent Flyer program, Celestars along with Air Mali and Air Burkina(under the Meridiana Group).Air Uganda services East African routes only but if you want an air bridge to West Africa, it’s best to fly Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines and earn quality miles!

Always when not sure about an airline’s loyalty program, do a little research(or contact us) on the airline’s programs and code share agreements  and see if the airline has a frequent flyer program or whether its program is integrated with that of a major international carrier! That way, you can ensure that you collect great miles at every point across Africa as you go about your business and enjoy this historic World Cup!

Back on Track...

Back on Track...

Sorry about my extended hiatus from writing. I was having some issues with my boyfriend's ex-wife spying on our activities through my food blog and trying to use it as ammunition against him. How pathetic, right? Anyhow, I'm back to my scribbles about the various culinary adventures that I've undertaken...both big and small...expect to see several posts in the next few weeks. Thanks for reading & bon appetit!

African Airlines Must Go Green

African Airlines Must Go Green

If Something is Inevitable Embrace it!
"Europe will fail"!That was Giovanni Bisignani's response to the European Union's Unilateral approach towards combating climate change through its Emissions trading system that will take effect from 2012!Will it?

Most African airlines flying to Europe will fall under the scope of this directive including Kenya Airways,Ethiopian Airlines,South African Airways and Egypt Air!While the major African Airlines have the capacity to comply with Europe's green taxes,most of which will fund government programs not related to combating climate change or aviation;some African airlines will face difficulties.

Kenya Airways has already complied with Europe's ETS after having submitted a Carbon Emissions Management and Monitoring Plans that will enable the carrier measure, manage and reduce its carbon footprints but IATA prefers global approach rather than a unilateral approach!The rationale being that other regional blocks are likely to come up with a patch work of green taxes across the globe thus complicating the business environment even further!iATA prefers a multilateral approach though ICAO.
IATA's Green Plane

According to the IPCC,aviation contributes 2% of the global carbon emissions,"a small part of the bigger problem" as IATA CEO Giovanni Bisignani states but this has not prevented the airline body from dreaming big as always!Being a small part of a serious problem,there is still a serious challenge to do even better,states IATA strategy document on combating climate change!IATA has an ambitious vision of achieving carbon neutral growth in the medium term and to build a plane that produces no emissions within 50 years.IATA's Green plane!
IATA's four pillar strategy for the future includes:

• Investing in Technology:
• Improving Operational Efficiency
• Building and Using Efficient Infrastructure
• Positive Economic Instruments to Provide Incentives 

 Homegrown Solutions
While most smaller African airlines are unlikely to meet IATA's ambitious targets,some legacy carriers have devised innovative plans to make the continent greener.Africa suffers most from climate change and African firms should be at the forefront of making the continent greener through green innovations and conservaton schemes!Some African airlines have taken environmental conservation quite seriously;at the forefront is Ethiopian Airlines which in 2008 launched an ambitious tree planting program,FLYING GREENER, which has seen it plant close to 8 million trees so far!

South African Airways is striving to reduce its carbon footprints via IATA's four pillar strategy by operating a younger fleet and fleet modernization.South African domestic budget carrier Kulula has adopted some symbolic approches that includes passengers making a small donation when they book a ticket through its green program.

African airlines must take bold steps in environmental conservation and combating climate change not just as a form of corporate responsibility but because it makes business sense!Fuel efficient fleet will lower fuel costs and in the future,with schemes like ETS it will reduce your taxes too!

Grilled Fish

Grilled Fish

I used ikan cencaru (torpedo scad) for this grilled fish. Other types of fish suitable for grilling are ikan pari(stingray), tilapia (St. Peter's fish), jenahak (threadfin) and many others.

Ingredients:

 

1 fresh cencaru

2 small limes
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper powder
oil for frying

Sambal ingredients:

5 fresh chillies
3 dried chillies
3 shallots
3 garlic
1 teasp shrimp paste (belacan)

Method:
1. Clean the fish and rub with salt and pepper powder.
2. Grill over a fire till both sides are cooked.
3. Prepare the sambal by grinding all the ingredients.
4. Heat up a wok with 2 tbsp of oil.
5. Fry the sambal till fragrant.
6. Dish out and put the sambal on top of the fish.
7. Serve with cut limes or can use lime juice.

Note: You can grill over a charcoal, electric grille or over a gas stove. Make sure the fire is small or the fish will get burn.

Dapo Olumide Quits Virgin Nigeria

Dapo Olumide Quits Virgin Nigeria

Dapo Olumide has quit Virgin Nigeria soon after businessman Jimoh Ibrahim acquired a controlling stake in the airline;a move which sent jitters in the aviation fraternity!Nigerian aviation does not trust Mr.Jimoh given his past with NICON Airways. The resignation is apparently unconnected to the acquisition(we are yet to get full details)!He was replaced by Ethiopian Mr.Kinfa Fekadu was until this appointment the Chief Operating Officer at the Ethiopian Airlines.

Nigerian Eagle Airlines CEO Captain Dapo Olumide with Kenya Airways CEO  Dr.Titus Naikuni during the signing of codeshare agreement in August 2009

Dapo Olumide was a formidable force and a change manager who transformed the debt ridden airline(accumulated by Virgin Group) into a force to be reckoned with!He was an aviation professional par excellence and during his tenure Nigerian Eagle Airlines relisted by IATA in the IOSA certification,the first under a Nigerian managemnt!Nigerian Eagle Airlines is the first and only airline in Nigeria to acquire an IOSA certification and has one of the best safety records in West Africa!A captain with 28 year experience, Olumide earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida, USA in 1980 after which he joined Aero Contractors in 1982.

He became Virgin Nigeria CEO in May last year and during the period he oversaw the private carrier's signing of code share agreements with Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines;the airline also underwent a rebranding in September 2009 changing its name from Virgin Nigeria to Nigerian Eagle Airlines.He described the rebranding as "not just about name change but a new dawn that has birthed an aspirational airline that will rule the African skies and a representation of the future of African aviation"The rebranding was meant to give the airline a truly Nigerian and African identity!


In December last year,the airline signed an MOU with Delta Airlines to "explore areas of commercial cooperation that will expand travel options between North America and Nigeria."
Last year,during the AFRAA AGA in Mozambique,he was elected AFRAA vice chairman and is known as one of the proponents for the integration and merger of African Airlines.He also received the award of the Best Airline CEO in Africa by Akwaaba African Travel Market Awards.


Dapo Olumide was a great talent for Nigerian Aviation and will surely be missed by the Nigerian and African aviation fraternity;although we bet,he is unlikely to stay on the sidelines for long!One instance I remember vividly was during the signing of the Code Share Agreement with Kenya Airways atop a Lagos Office and Dapo clearly professed is undying love for African aviation:"I have a great passion for African Aviation"

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Precision Air:From Rags to Riches

Precision Air:From Rags to Riches

Precision Air Services Ltd. is an entrepreneurial brilliance at its high point. The airline known as PW in IATA two-letter codes is going places! Precision Air’s rags to riches story is the envy of East Africa aviation if not beyond. I, for example, cannot recall any airline in East Africa which came from a very humble background to grow into a formidable airline player and survive for a very long time like PW.

Take for example, Regional Air of Kenya, partly owned by a once powerful and affluent former minister, Nicholas Biwott. This airline was at one time doing so well to the extent of even securing a franchise agreement from British Airways but could not thrive in a fiercely competitive environment in Kenya aviation industry and folded not long ago. Same goes for DAS Air Cargo, owned by a flamboyant Ugandan couple, Mr. and Mrs. Roy. From a small cargo airline outfit, DAS Air Cargo rose to claim Africa’s number one cargo airline until it was uncovered trying to cut corners on key aircraft maintenance programs by the European Union (EU) and was banned from flying into Europe. DAS Air tried to comply with EU requirements, but the damage was too much to recover, and in 2007, the airline caved in.

Precision Air Services is a brainchild of a very illustrious aviator, Mr. Michael Shirima. Mr. Shirima is a man with visionary ideas. He quit his job as director of operations in the formative stages of Air Tanzania Corporation (ATC) in the 1970s to start his small airline outfit based at Kilimanjaro International Airport to deal mainly in aerial spraying and later ventured into air charter operations using a Cesna 402 aircraft, particularly in the national parks and game reserves. Gradually, Precision Air diversified its services as a scheduled airline but mainly in tertiary markets like Arusha/Kilimanjaro-Zanzibar-Dar Es Salaam. As it gradually consolidated its market position and through exploitation of Air Tanzania’s weaknesses, Precision Air went full throttle to take the national airline head-on in key markets.

In 2000, South African Airways (SAA) took note of PW’s potential and made some advances to Mr. Shirima to have a stake in his airline, but this initiative fell through. In 2003, when it became obvious that SAA was going to be a winner in the privatization of Air Tanzania Corporation, Kenya Airways (KQ) withdrew its bid at the eleventh hour and quickly charmed its way into suitor-ship of PW, which culminated into KQ taking a “minority” 49 percent shareholding in PW. Since then, there has been no looking back for Mr. Shirima’s pet project. Kenya Airways took over management of the airline and gave it new impetus, which has seen PW become a leading aviation powerhouse in Tanzania in terms of market share. Statistics indicate that PW is now controlling about 65 percent of the domestic market (amongst first tier airlines) while ATCL plays second fiddle at 35 percent.

With the recent acquisition of a brand new ATR 42-500 aircraft, PW has done it again. This makes PW’s fleet of ATR model to seven aircraft plus one B737-300, which is used on the Dar Es Salaam-Mwanza route and Dar Es Salaam-Nairobi on a code shared flights with KQ. PW’s competitor, ATCL, has a fleet of two Dash 8 aircraft and B737-200, which was crippled recently while landing at Mwanza Airport. Compared to ATCL/SAA ill-fated tie-up, Precision Air’s partnership with Kenya Airways has gone much better except for a few misgivings here and there.

Firstly, PW flights on the Dar ES Salaam-Johannesburg route were started with great hope but only lasted for a brief period because apparently PW could not take the heat in the marketplace and had to quit. Even after the suspension of ATCL flights to Johannesburg in November 2008, PW has missed the opportunity to fill the void, leaving SAA a virtual monopoly player on this lucrative route. With KQ’s synergies, PW was expected to bring a formidable challenge on this route for the benefit of the traveling public.
Secondly, there is a strong perception that despite Mr. Shirima being the non-executive chairman of Precision Air, the airline is not under effective control of Tanzanians as per the spirit of the Chigaco Convention of 1944 on airlines. It is alleged that all key decisions regarding PW emanate from Nairobi and, therefore, for a foreseeable future, the airline will basically remain an appendage of Kenya Airways as purely a feeder airline of KQ at its Nairobi hub.

Thirdly, even with a superior fleet, PW is still grappling with maintaining its schedule integrity. PW is very notorious at changing its schedules at short notice and this is a nagging problem that needs fixing lest it tarnishes the generally positive public image of the airline.

Having said that, credit must be given to PW for coming this far from a very modest beginning. Obviously there has been some challenges along they way but PW has stood a test of time both as an airline and a corporate entity. To put some icing on the cake, in 2008 Precision Air Services Ltd. was voted as the most respected company in Tanzania in yearly joint survey by Price Cooper Waterhouse and the Nations Group of Kenya. This is not a mean achievement given the competitive corporate environment obtaining in the country with the likes of Tigo, Vodacom, Tanzania Breweries, etcetera, who are on the cutting edge of technological innovation and customer service delivery.

With the coming of the fifth new ATR aircraft and two more to go, the travel trade industry is comforted by the fact that PW is going from strength to strength and will sooner than later fulfill its mission of extending its services both domestically and regionally. For instance, flights from Tanzania to Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been on PW’s drawing board for a very long time, and the market is eagerly waiting.

Currently the only way to reach Lubumbashi from Tanzania by air is via Nairobi on KQ or Johannesburg on SAA, which costs an arm and leg. The resumption of Johannesburg services as recently promised by the airline’s chairman cannot be overemphasized. ATCL is not likely to resume Dar-Johannesburg flights anytime soon given the restructuring exercise that is currently going on at ATC House. So it can only be PW that can venture into this important market and rescue the customers who at the moment are at the mercy of SAA particularly during the coming FIFA World Cup.

However, it has not been plain sailing for PW to reach where it is now. Indeed, the airline investment is not for the weaklings. Sometimes it takes undying passion for aviation like Mr. Shirima’s to be able to make it, because the airline industry is a very devious business fraught with many bottlenecks and challenges. All this calls for patience, resilience, and good vision in order to succeed. Despite some qualms on PW, we can look at the airline with pride and high hopes as it continues to register one positive milestone after another.

courtesy etn

South African Airways Launches a Mobile WAP Site

South African Airways Launches a Mobile WAP Site

As we wrote a couple of months ago,millions of Africans are using their cell phones to access the web,including me.Mobile web is so convenient;I can read latest information on African airlines and access thousands of airline applications! Just like the social media was the great hype of 2008/2009;mobile web is  quickly becoming an important tool for airlines especially those operating in Africa!

Kenya Airways developed its nice little WAP site last year offering information on fligh status,schedules,special offers,baggage information and a nice Google Sites interactive feature.

  South African Airways has just launched its very own mobile portal allowing customers to access comprehensive travel and airline information from just one point of reference, anywhere, anytime, using their cellphone.

The portal allows travellers to access the information from a capable cellphone device such as: airline flight schedules; directions to airline lounges at airports around the world; flight arrival and departure information; and destination information such as weather forecasts for any city in the world and a currency converter.

This new initiative is in partnership with Star Alliance, who developed the Common IT Mobile Platform, which SAA used to launch its own portal for customers - making SAA the first airline in Africa to have launched the new service.
The portal is a universal feed able to access information on any airline and destination in the world.

An Interview With Mr. Arjun Ruzaik, Chief Executive Officer of OneJetOne

An Interview With Mr. Arjun Ruzaik, Chief Executive Officer of OneJetOne

Arjun Ruzaik is the Chief Executive Officer of OneJetOne, Kenya’s first domestic, regional and international low cost/budget airline set to launch in 2010. The fleet will consist of Airbus A320 and A330, flying to and from our Nairobi hub, to all major cities in Africa, Middle East, Europe and Asia. African Aviation recently talked with Mr. Ruzaik, who explained the challenges he faces in the short and long term.
African Aviation: How has the recent economic crisis affected the plans of OneJetOne?

Arjun Ruzaik: We believe it has pushed back our start-up by at least two years.

African Aviation: Turning to the year ahead, what is your outlook on the potential recovery?

Arjun Ruzaik: We believe the worst is over and the future looks extremely favourable
African Aviation: What lessons have been learned from the economic crisis of the past 12 months?
Arjun Ruzaik: African aviation industry will inevitably be the last to recover.
African Aviation: How do you see your domestic and international route network evolving in the coming year?
Arjun Ruzaik:  It appears extremely favourable for a start-up Low Cost Carrier.
African Aviation: Can the East-African market support that kind of growth?
Arjun Ruzaik:  Given the particular characteristics of a start-up Low Cost Carrier, yes.
African Aviation: Where would you like OneJetOne to be in five years from now?
Arjun Ruzaik: The leading Low Cost Carrier in Africa.
African Aviation: What are you most concerned with in terms of future challenges?
Arjun Ruzaik: For a Low Cost Carrier (LCC), it has to be the price of fuel and for African aviation in particular, the transparency of the governments and its aviation authorities.
African Aviation: How are you controlling the costs?
Arjun Ruzaik: From a start-up LCC perspective, its an area thats fundamental to our longevity and success, and as such, the process starts from the very top
African Aviation: The issue of aviation and the environment is not going away. Does the industry have the right strategy for the years ahead?
Arjun Ruzaik: We believe it does.
African Aviation: Are airports finally getting the message about the need to cooperate with airline partners?
Arjun Ruzaik: In sub-sahara Africa, NO. However, closer to home we believe that Kenya Airports Authority is an exception to the rule where it tends to formulate and operate with an “out-of-the-box” kind of way...a win-win for all concerned.
African Aviation: How is your relation with the Kenyan Civil Aviation Authorities?
Arjun Ruzaik: Professional and we are extremely excited in KCAA’s recent approach to implementing the new KCARs (Kenya Civil Aviation Regulations)...a much awaited and “about-time” legislation.
African Aviation: The European agency recently announced the list of airlines banned from the European airspace due to safety concerns. Thirteen of the 17 countries affected by the ban are from Africa. What needs to be done to improve safety in Africa?
Arjun Ruzaik: Funding, training and empowering the Civil Aviation Authorities.
African Aviation: Can you please tell us about your first potential destinations?
Arjun Ruzaik: Mombasa and Kisumu.
African Aviation: You are expected to launch operations with a fleet of Airbus 320 and Airbus 330. Can you please tell us when can we expect the first deliveries?
Arjun Ruzaik: Towards the latter part of 2010
African Aviation: Why do you think the Airbus is the right aircraft for a company like OneJetOne?
Arjun Ruzaik: OneJetOne’s promoters’ past vast experience with the A320 and A330, and its benefits for a start-up LCC with our business plan
African Aviation: Why should our readers fly with OneJetOne?
Arjun Ruzaik: PRICE PRICE PRICE and an amazing experience each and everytime.




Courtesy African-Aviation.com

Fried Egg With Chinese Sausage

Fried Egg With Chinese Sausage

Chinese sausage is also known as"Lap Cheong". It is made from pork and pork fats. It is somewhat like the western sausage but the Chinese sausage is darker.







Ingredients:

2 fresh eggs

2 pieces Chinese sausages

a dash of pepper

a pinch of salt

2 tbsp oil

Method:

1. Slice the Chinese sausages thinly.

2. Beat eggs with salt and pepper.

3. Put in the sausages.

4. Heat up a wok and fry the mixture.

5. Serve on a plate.

Note: Make sure to soak the sausage in water for a few seconds to remove the plastic from the sausage.

Each sausage is wrapped with a plastic. If you don't remove it, the sausage will be tough and difficult to chew.

Fried Pucuk Paku With Tuna

Fried Pucuk Paku With Tuna

Pucuk paku is a type of tender fern that can be found in most markets. Only the shoots are taken because they are crunchy.

Ingredients:

200 g pucuk paku

50 g canned Tuna 

1 red chilly (sliced)
5 cloves garlic (peeled of the skin)
2 tbsps oil for frying

Ingredients to be pounded:

2 fresh chillies

1 cm cube shrimps paste

2 cloves garlic

a pinch of salt

Method:

1. Pluck the shoots of pucuk paku, wash and drain them.

2. Heat oil in a wok. Fry the pounded ingredients till fragrant.

3. Add in the peeled garlic, sliced red chillies, tuna and pucuk paku.

4. Stir fry for a few minutes.

5. When cooked serve on a plate.

Note:

Do not cook the pucuk paku for too long or it will be slimy.

Stir Fried Lala (Clams)

Stir Fried Lala (Clams)

Choose fresh clams only. It has its natural sweetness of shellfish. By adding rice wine in the dish it oozes out the rich aroma and fragrance when cooked.

Ingredients:

1 kg lala (clams)

30 g ginger(sliced thinly)

3 cloves garlic (sliced thinly)

1 tbsp rice wine

2 tbsp oil

Method:

1. Wash lala and put aside.

2. Heat up a wok. Pour 2 tbsp oil. When hot, fry ginger and garlic till fragrant.

3. Add in the lala together with the rice wine. Stir till well mixed and cover the wok till all the lala open up.

4. Serve hot on a plate.

Note: You don't have to add salt to the lala as it is already salty by itself. Once the lala opens up, it means it is cooked.

Muttor Kachori

Muttor Kachori

मराठीमध्ये वाचण्यासाठी इथे क्लिक करा

Ma's specialty and one thing we always demand when we go to Pune. :) Its been a while since I took this recipe from her, infact I had made it earlier too but it hadn't come out as nice as she makes. This time it was quite close and I thought it would be perfect time to post it.


Ingredients
2 Cup Maida
1 Cup Wheat Flour
1 Potato
3 Cup Muttor
1/4 Spoon Jeera
1/2 Spoon Red Chilli Powder
Oil
Salt to taste

Method

• Mix in maida, wheat flour, salt to taste and 1/2 cup oil.
• Add in water and make dough. Keep aside.
• Cook potato in the pressure cooker and keep it to cook.
• Cook muttor with some water for 2 minutes in microwave.
• Drain the water from the muttor and grind it in mixie
• Once the potato cools down, grate it.
• In a pan heat 1 spoon of oil and add jeera. Let it splutter
• Add in grated potato, muttor paste, red chilli powder and salt to taste.
• Cook till the paste dries up and becomes a dry ball. Let it cool down
• Take a lemon sized ball of the dough made and press it to make a cup shape. Add in the half sized muttor-potato ball and seal it.
• Roll it just like puris and fry in hot oil. Serve with pickle.

Notes
The trick is to make the dough of right consitency - not too hard not too soft and the perfect to seal it after the feeling.
Also roll the balls to the puri's thickness - just a bit thicker to get the best results.

Dates Peacan Chocolaty Brownies

Dates Peacan Chocolaty Brownies

मराठीमध्ये वाचण्यासाठी इथे क्लिक करा

Just few weeks back I had got lots of choco-chips and Peacans from the costco. Thinking I could bake some cakes, muffins. So today when payesh that I made last week was getting over, I thought it would be nice to make these brownies for dessert hoping they would last for week.. But frankly, they have turned out so well, I wonder if they are going to last even till monday :) We already have had 2 pieces each :)


Ingredients
80g Dark Chocolate bar
1.5 Cup semi sweet choco-chips
3 Cup Powdered Sugar
1.5 Cup Maida
1 Cup Butter
1 Cup Dates
1 Cup Peacans
3 Eggs
1 Spoon Vanilla Essence
Salt to taste

Method

• In a glass bowl, add dark chocolate, 1/2 cup semi sweet choco-chips and butter and microwave for 1 minute. Stir well.
• Microwave for 30 more seconds and stir well. Keep aside.
• Sieve maida couple of times and set aside.
• Preheat oven to 375F/190C
• In a big bowl add eggs, powdered sugar, vanilla essence. Beat for 5 minutes.
• Add in above made chocolate paste, maida and salt to taste. Mix lightly, just enough to make it consistent paste.
• Add in remaining 1 cup of chocochips, dates and peacans chopped. Again mix it lightly.
• Grease a pan and pour in batter into it. Bake the brownies at 375F/190C for 35 minutes.
• Serve with ice-cream, topped with chocolate sauce and some nuts chopped finely.

Notes
I normally microwave chocolate to melt it - works wonders :D, but if you don't have microwave, you can boil water in a pan and keep a bigger bowl on top of it with chocolate and melt it over low heat. Be careful not to over heat the chocolate or it would spoil the taste and feel of the chocolate.