Saturday, July 5, 2008

Happy 4th of July: A Yankee Party in India

We celebrated the 4th of July here in Pune. Of course, it is one of the biggest and most festive holidays we have in America. We were a little sad not to be home for the barbecues, boating activities and fireworks. However, we became determined to throw a little soiree here in Pune with our friends. It started out as a modest 5 person party that turned into 18, but as you all know that is how Paul and I like to throw a party--the more the merrier!

Now, we pretty much bought all the imported food stuffs we could find at Dorabjee's to try and recreate our wonderful recipes from home. I cannot begin to tell you how happy one is to find chicken frankfurters (to substitute hot dogs) and Hellman's Mayo to make all the salads. However, Paul and I persevered and I think it turned out very well. We made lots of food, and of course our guests helped out by bringing a plate to pass. We dined on fresh potato chips, almonds, deviled eggs, salmon cakes, coleslaw, cheese and bread, frankfurters, seekh kabobs, potato salad (creamy and vinaigrette), tuna noodle salad, olives, carrot cake, Calcutta masala pan, and of course--apple cake! I am posting the recipe for apple cake at the end, because everyone asks me for this most simple recipe, and so I thought I would share it. It is my mom's family recipe, and I think I have been making it to take to parties since I was 12.

Of course, here I am in the kitchen (as you all know my favorite place) . . .
The ladies gather for a quick photo while chatting . . .
And of course the men are outside on the terrace . . .
Here Pauly is with his 52 inch sparkler! We had a great time trying not to set my plants on fire!



All in all, it was a great 4th of July here in Pune!

Apple Cake:

Prep Time: 30 Minutes

Cooking Time: 45-60 Minutes

Preheat Oven to 350 Degrees Fahrenheit

Ingredients:

  1. 2 cups granulated sugar
  2. 1 1/2 cup salad oil
  3. 2 eggs
  4. 2 teaspoons vanilla
  5. 6 apples chopped (Granny Smith Apples, preferably)
  6. 3 cups flour
  7. 1 teaspoon salt
  8. 1 heaping teaspoon cinnamon
  9. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  10. 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Directions:

  1. Pour oil in mixing bowl.
  2. Stir in sugar, eggs, vanilla, and apples.
  3. Add flour, salt, cinnamon, baking powder and nuts to the mixture.
  4. Pour into 13 x 9 x 2 inch or Bundt pan.
  5. Bake in 350 degree oven for 45-60 minutes.
  6. Cool completely and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Very easy and a crowd pleaser every time!

2 comments:

Kelly said...

Happy 4th! Looks like you had a good time. Thanks for that apple cake recipe....so yummy. I love the blog. I looks like you have had many adventures in India already! Continue to keep us updated on how it's going. Also...we are on Sype. I think it is under Andrew's name.

Carrie said...

I'm definitely going to try this, Melissa, since I finally dragged my Kitchen Aid and baking paraphernalia out of their boxes! I've been on a baking frenzy in the last week--scones, granola, bar cookies, brownies...

I have pics up of our newly carpeted upstairs on my blog. And we're finally moved in upstairs--furniture and all. Yay! Can't wait to see you guys later this summer when you're home for a bit. We're definitely drinking sangria and sitting on our deck (unless, of course, it's ridiculously humid outside!).