Curtains are drawn!!

Posted on by irutarts

As the curtains are drawn at the end of the month, nothing seemed to have changed. The number of cases in my country seems to rise at an alarming rate and the condition do not seem to relax, but, severe. 

A month ago, we were in a fix as to how Ramadan will be spent, and now we ponder over ways to honour our Eid festival.  

Commonalty ciphering means to break the shell and muster, while the perceptive ministry, speeded up and declared a 24-hour lockdown right on the festive day. So, curtailed is EID to our homes and backyards. 

Withal, Eid deluged with blessings, serenity, good sleep, family time, cooking, praying and deepened gratitude is anticipated.

Eid – Ul – Fitr, celebrated after a month full of fasting from dawn to dusk. By fasting and serving the purpose of the holy month, we are accoladed in the form of Eid.

30 days of fasting, customs being observed while bevelling our line of daily routine towards faith and sanctity, embody marvellous perks.

Foremost, to discern the ache of person, enduring his pain is fundamental. Thus, fasting eminently bolsters us with the required understanding. 

Repudiating the driblets and the crumbs gush the sense of reaching out. 

Hence, fasting intensifies the empathy towards the needy leading to an escalation in charity and donations. 

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A man praying at night

Secondly, fasting is paired with worship, prayers and invocations. Late-night prayers (Qayam-ul-Layl), Qayam refers to standing, Layl denotes night. So, standing in the night for prayers has premium benefits. 

Research shows that one reason staying up all night worked was because sleep inhibits the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) that helps control our metabolism and, indirectly, our levels of energy. An estimated 25% to 35% of depressed patients have low TSH levels. Recent research has shown that while sleep inhibits the release of TSH, staying awake through the night and the early morning hours boosts it. This “new” scientific research is completely following the habit of the prophet (saws), which was to sleep shortly after Eisha prayer (by 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm), and wake in the very early morning hours (by 2:00 am – 3:00 am) again to pray.

Many health benefits are backed up with mental peace, serenity, tranquillity and calmness. When a soul is calm and at peace, he loves the life he is blessed with, hence increasing him in gratitude. 

Thirdly, fasting has proved to be associated with a wide range of potential health benefits, including weight loss, as well as improved blood sugar control, heart health, brain function and cancer prevention. Also, fasting can help lower cholesterol, improve glucose control, reduce liver fat and improve blood pressure. Studies have also shown that fasting, which leads to caloric restriction, increases the lifespan of even healthy people.

While fasting, taking short naps are also said to be rewarded. 

Apart from this, Muslims also practice the famous “5:2 whole day fasting” along with the other ways of intermittent fasting all round the year.

Prophet Mohammad SAW used to fast every week on Mondays and Thursdays, and now science has been proving its health, mental and emotional benefits. 

Fourth, another obligation during the month is reciting as much Quran (holy book of Muslims) as possible. Surprisingly, even recitation and memorization of the Quran gets numerous gain with it. 

“And We send down of the Qur’an that which is healing and mercy for the believers, but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss.” (Al-Quran, 17:82)

Science has proved that by reducing our brainwave frequencies to alpha and theta, we can enjoy loads of benefits:

  • We are more spiritually connected, and more at peace. This makes us enjoy life more.
  • We are healthier due to lower stress levels
  • We can control our mind to focus completely on the present
  • We can remain calm even while under pressure
  • We can accelerate our learning
  • We can go into the state of deep relaxation, which is important to our health and emotional wellbeing

And the mind that is operating at alpha waves is also linked with creative and lateral thinking. Lateral thinking is the ability to look at a problem from many angles instead of tackling it head-on. Additionally, an alpha level mind can memorise up to 1500 words a day, as is the case with small children.

We know that mediation, which the recitation of the Quran is similar to, helps us to bring down our brain waves to this beneficial alpha and theta waves.

The conclusion of the research shows that reciting just a page of the Quran reduces our brain waves to alpha, thereby leading to a rested and calmed mind. Subhanallah!

Along with all the other benefits, the major benefits above bring emotional stability, helps practice patience, inculcates empathy and sympathy, draws each one closer to their loved ones and community. Erases our differences brings all to a common ground. 

As the month-end gets closer, we are at the benefitting end at all aspects of Ramadan, yet we are rewarded with festive days of EID-Ul-Fitr.

However, before the night of Eid – Ul – Fitr, global Muslims are obliged to buy basic commodities, groceries and goods; distribute among the poor of the locality (Fitra), assuring an ecstatic Eid celebration not stays limited to your homes. However, Zakat due can be paid out before the next Ramadan arrives. 

As considered the holiest month out of all the months, it also is a disciplinary month for all the believers. The Muslims all over the world observe and adhere to the obligations of the month. A training period for all followers with a habit-forming routine to be followed all around the year.

The believers are expected to pursue this constant behaviour throughout the year. Sadly, we struggle for consistency and persistence, keeping it limited only to this month. 

This year on wards, doing my best to follow the same practice throughout the year and as you know the benefits as well, hope you will too. 

Glittercut.com wishes its phenomenal virtual family a Wonderful, Blessed and an Auspicious Eid with your loved ones, Eid Mubarak.

#stayhome #staysafe

Do add in your viewpoints and feedback on the benefits and perks of Ramadan in the comments below.  

Peewee Kiri Rolls

Posted on by irutarts

Cheese, as we know is loved and relished by many. So, how could we miss out on an easy-peasy recipe which contains cheeeeeeeese 🙂

For the Ramadan Special segment, glittercut.com brings to you the easiest recipe of mini processed crafted cheese rolls, adding to your balanced diet with the essential supply of vitamins and minerals. Most of all, this dish is a sure shot hit among the kids.

I have used Kiri cheese cubes, as it is easily available here in the markets and in the lock down, you want to get a pack of your own, click here.

So, let’s get cookin’

Ingredients: serves 3

Kiri Cheese Cubes 3 cubes cut into half

ready – to – use Samosa pattis / Switz Samosa Leaves 3 pattis / leaves

Wheat flour 1 Tbsp dissolved in 1/4th cup of water (this will act as a glue to stick the corners of the pattis / leaves.)

Garnishing:

Sugar 1 cup

Water 150 ml

Cardamom 2 pcs

Method:

Take one patti / leaf at a time and cut it into equal half from the short edge.

In each half, place one half of the Kiri Cheese cube and fold the patti neatly. Make sure to glue the edges of the patti well using the wheat flour mix.

Once all the rolls are ready, in a deep pan, heat oil. In the oil add the rolls one by one and fry until delicious golden brown.

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Kiri rolls drenched in sugar syrup

For Garnishing:

In a pan, add water and sugar along with cardamom. While on heat, mix well until the sugar dissolves completely and forms a rich sweet liquid.

Empty the syrup in a deep bowl.

Serving:

Dip the rolls in the sugar syrup bowl and serve on a plate.

Treat your taste buds with the most astonishing taste with such an easy-peasy recipe.

Tips:

You can seal the edges of the patti, dipping your finger in the paste and spreading it on edges.

The servings are 2 rolls for each person, you can add and serve as you like.

Stay home and stay safe, while you get the ingredients delivered to your door steps: click right below and add to your cart.

Kiri Cheese

Samosa Patti / Leaf

Sugar

Canola Cooking Oil

Wheat Flour

Rooh Afzah Drink

Posted on by irutarts

RoohAfza is a thirst quencher and a great addition for mocktails and desserts. Apart from cooling, it possesses many health benefits. There are no artificial elements used in this syrup. Made with all natural ingredients like flower, roots, herbs, fruits, veggies, RoohAfza have a very energetic and refreshing effect in hot summer.

So, today in our Ramadan Special segment, glittercut.com brings to you a very commonly consumed drink, especially in Ramadan. RoohAfza.

Ingredients: Serves 3

RoohAfza syrup 4 Tbsp

Sabza seeds (sweet basil seeds / falooda seeds / tukmaria seeds) – 2 Tbsp soaked in water for around 2 hours.

Lemon juice 2 tsp

Sugar 1 Tbsp

Chilled water 3 glass

Method:

In a pitcher, add water, RoohAfza syrup, sugar and lemon juice. Stir well until the sugar is well blended. Drink is ready

For serving:

In the serving glasses, evenly distribute the soaked sabza seeds then pour the drink chilled.

Enjoy the refreshing, easy-peasy-to-make drink and stay hydrated.

Tips:

RoohAfza is equally delicious when prepared with milk. Only drop the lemon juice and instead add chopped almonds.

Sizzling Fried Ice Cream

Posted on by irutarts

Yes, you read it right. glittercut.com, in its Ramadan Special segment, brings to you your very own recipe of ice cream which is fried: fried ice cream :-p

This enticing recipe, I had first tried it at a sea side restaurant in the city of Athens, Greece. The hot and cold jolt of the dish was as hypnotizing as I found its name to be attractive on the menu card. And, the dish was beyond our intrigue and expectations, it was just outstanding.

However, over the years after the trip, I have now mastered the knack of fried ice cream.

So, here’s the trick..

Vanilla ice cream trickling out of its shell.

Ingredients (3 servings):

Vanilla ice cream 3 scoops (chilled)

Cornflakes 1/2 cup

Bread crumbs 1/2 cup

Cookie of your choice (optional) 4 – 5

Egg 1

Oil for deep frying

For garnishing:

Chocolate syrup / whipped cream

Method:

In a blender, blend cornflakes and bread crumbs or any cookie of your choice until a fine powder is formed.

In a plate, empty the cornflakes / cookie powder mix. In another dish, take a well beaten egg.

Take a scoop of ice cream at a time, roll it in the cornflakes plate, then roll it in egg and then again roll it in the cornflakes mix plate.

Place the coated scoops on a tray and place the tray in the freezer for overnight.

“Ready-to-eat” day, In a deep frying pan, heat oil until more than ready for deep frying.

Take one coated scoop at a time from the freezer and place it the heating oil for a few seconds, or until the coating becomes golden brown. Remove promptly.

Place it on the serving dish drizzle it with chocolate sauce or whipped cream or both and serve immediately.

Tips:

Fried ice Cream is best served immediately.

Ice cream needs to be well frozen.

If you want to make it egg free, then the egg can be replaced by the ‘cornflour-milk’ mix.

For cornflour milk mix, add 2-3 Tbsp of cornflour to 1 cup of milk and mix well until no lumps appear.

This special recipe is to mark the celebration of the 50th post on glittercut.com.. Cheers!!

Thanks and love you all 🙂

Refreshing mint lemonade

Posted on by irutarts

Mint as we all know is a great source of refreshment and hence is used in various ways and products as a refreshing coolant, along with its many health benefits.

Adding mint to our lemonade doubles up the refreshing gush of the drink, is a great way to beat the scorching sun and the heat on a summer day.

Glittercut.com, in its Ramadan special segment brings to you the easy-peasy recipe of a mint lemonade..

Ingredients (serves 2)

Freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/2 cup

Mint leaves 2 cups (leave aside 3-4 leaves aside for garnish)

Ice cubes 1 cup

Water 1 cup

honey (as per your taste)

Cumin powder a pinch

Equipments

Blender

Strainer

Method

Add all the above ingredients to the blender and blend until all the ingredients blend together really well.

Strain the drink into the serving glass or jug using a strainer.

Garnish with mint leaves.

It’s ready, sip it up and enjoy.. 🙂

Mango Lassi, relish

Posted on by irutarts

Rich in nutrients, yogurt is a dairy product which has ‘n’ number of benefits. Be it weight management to protection against osteoporosis, yogurt does it all as it improves the immunity system of the body.

Yogurt intake combined with fruits, is a bonus. It becomes the source of high quality protein and has a synergistic effect on health as it combines various vitamins and minerals.

(Lassi, a sweet or savory Indian drink made from a yogurt or buttermilk base with water.)

Today, on glittercut.com, for our Ramadan Special segment, we have the easiest recipe for mango lassi.

Ingredients: serves 3

Yogurt 2 cups

Milk 1 cup

Mango 1 (peeled and cut)

Honey 1 Tbsp

Sugar 3 Tbsp

Vanilla essence 1 Tsp

Cardamom powder 1/2 Tsp

Ice cubes 4 – 5

For garnishing

Dry fruits chopped

Cardamom powder

Equipment

Blender

Method:

In a blender, add mango, milk, yogurt, vanilla essence, sugar, honey, cardamom powder and ice cubes and blend till the ingredients turn into a thick smooth liquid.

Your lassi is ready.

Serve it in a glass and garnish it with dry fruits and sprinkle a pinch of cardamom powder at the top.

Enjoy..

Service to humanity!

Posted on by irutarts

All over the world regardless of the ongoing season or the weather conditions, our desires, our wants and needs pay no heed. Rising with passing time, quenching the craves becomes a task. Feasible at a click of the button for some, while, regulating for the vital supply itself gets crippling for some.

The ratio of the crippling is way more than the haves. 

Instances of both classes are spotted in our vicinity. At times, the contrast is distinct, but, many times to differentiate the indigent is confusing. 

Shielded amour-propre refrains the impoverished from imploring, while expectations soaring their speculation of acquiring aid.

While the secret desire of the deprived remains cloaked, the glare of the leisure blocks the effluent from spotting the needful.

On the contrary, the benevolent irrespective of their financial holding selflessly reach out to the needy with available means, winning the ‘philanthropist’ title. 

Helping comes with the pleasure of its own, the realization of the wonders every good deed can do. 

Various channels of approaching the unfortunate are accessible. Charitable organizations or charitable events, they all aim to provide for the needy and deal with poverty one man at a time. 

However, we don’t need to bank on such events or organizations entirely for helping the deprived. 

Apart from dropping a dime in the charity box at the mall, or spending on a charity coupon, ways like feeding the poor, giving old clothes, distributing blankets or other essentials, setting up a water cooler in the neighborhood add to the list of admired charitable ways. 

At times, the deserving may be contiguous to us in relation or distance. Mindfulness to their needs is what it requires to make the first step forward to provide support.

Upon giving alms, the giver is not helping the needy, but, instead is helping himself to become a better person, to be more empathetic, and helps himself to be more generous while expecting null in return. However, the sanctification of giving charity and the elation of easing the misery of a soul is indescribable. Yet, some boastful individuals brag about their blessed cause and let the value of the deed go in vain.

Negligent of the scar left on the hearts of the receiver by their hurtful act.

The mortified receiver strained by the circumspect acceptance of funds, already burdened by the affliction and compromising their dignity, generally, expect the giver to be attentive of their emotions.

All form of charity is a component of many religions and culture. Hence, being taught and inculcated in the young minds from an early age, building a sense of service to humanity.

Similarly, in Islam, charity throughout the year is instigated while in the holy month of Ramadan, charity by the name of Zakat has been made obligatory. Zakat, the third out of five pillars of Islam, is a term used for the 2.5% of the wealth, investment or savings to be paid to the poor and needy. (to know more about the Zakat and its terms and rulings, click here). Economists have confirmed the fact that if each believer makes the due payment of zakat and does not withhold it, poverty will surely be eradicated from the face of the Earth. Sadly, that is not the case yet. 

There are various types of people in need depending on their situation, hence, broadening our opportunities for charity. 

Generosity could be in the form of giving wealth, clothing, essentials, groceries and many other desired objects which eases the gainers’ situation to some extent. 

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A man helping a dog.

However, it does not remain restricted to the same. If you possess knowledge of any kind, sharing it is charity. Helping any seeker in any manner without expecting any returns while not boasting is also a form of charity. To smile at someone is charity. Clearing the pathway of any obstacle to ease the passage for others is charity. Charity is also when you help a blind man cross the road. Showing directions to the lost is as well a form of charity. Helping out animals is also charity. planting trees as well is charity and the list goes on.

So, for reaching out and helping, you need not be rich or have a huge bank balance. Without these also you can be charitable and earn the rewards and be blessed. 

Abu Dharr narrated that the Messenger of Allah said :

“Your smiling in the face of your brother is a charity, commanding good and forbidding evil is a charity, your giving directions to a man lost in the land is a charity for you. Your seeing for a man with bad sight is a charity for you, your removal of a rock, a thorn or a bone from the road is a charity for you. Your pouring what remains from your bucket into the bucket of your brother is a charity for you.” Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1956, In-book reference: Book 27, Hadith 62, English translation: Vol. 4, Book 1, Hadith 1956

No good deed is small. A deed which may be minuscule for us might make an enormous difference in the life of the beneficiary. So, never belittle any act of help and seize every opportunity which comes your way, doing your part in making a life lead to a better future.

What are your thoughts on charity, and is there anything you would want to add to our post, let us know in the comments below? 

Like and share & continue to spread the sparkle.

Exquisite Apple Milk

Posted on by irutarts

‘An apple a day, keeps the doctor away’ – a quote we have been well versed with since decades.

As apples are extremely beneficial to us, being rich in fiber, minerals, vitamin C, antioxidants and potassium, it is most affiliated to cancer cures, cutting down on diabetes, helping with digestion and many more.

Keeping the same in mind, today, on glittercut.com we have prepared a light, flavorful apple milk for our Ramadan Special segment.

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Apple milk

Ingredients (serves 3)

Apples 1 (cut into cubes)

Almonds 7-8

Vanilla ice cream 2 scoops

Cardamom powder 1/2 tsp

Sugar 2 Tbsp

Milk 1 1/2 cup

Vanilla essence 1/2 tsp

Rooh afzah (a concentrated fruit squash) 1 Tbsp (optional)

Rose water 1 Tbsp (optional)

Equipment

Blender

Method

In the blender, ad the cut apples, almonds, milk, sugar, Rooh Afza, cardamom powder, vanilla essence, and rose water. Blend all the ingredients really well till the fruit and the almonds are completely mixed with the ingredients without leaving any lumps in the drink.

Your drink is ready to serve.

Tips:

If you do not have rooh afza, add sugar as per your taste. The rooh afza just adds the light pink tinge to your drink along with sweetening it.

You can peel the apples and almonds if your like it that way, however, I did not peel any of them and yet, the drink turned out to be delightful.

Do let us know in the comments below, if you have a new recipe to share with us.

Banana-Choco Shake

Posted on by irutarts

Bananas when combined with milk is loaded with amazing nutrients, minerals, fiber and basic sugar. As bananas are a rich wellspring of nutrient B6, folate, nutrient C, magnesium, potassium and sugars. A glass of banana shake is sufficient to keep the stomach full for quite a while. Moreover, it comes with additional beauty enhancing benefits for our skin and hair.

We add chocolate to our banana shake as it makes it more delightful and is a treat for our taste buds.

So, today glittercut.com brings to you a very tempting, yet an easy recipe for Banana Shake.

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Banana shake

Ingredients (Serves 1)

Bananas 1

Milk 1/2 glass

Vanilla ice cream 3 scoops

Ice cubes 3 cubes

Vanilla extract 1/2 tsp

Rose water 1 tsp (optional)

Date honey / Honey 1 Tbsp (optional)

For garnishing (any one of these would do)

Dry fruits (chopped)

Chocolate syrup / chocolate sauce

Chocolate (of your choice)

Equipment

Blender

Method

To the blender, add milk, banana, ice cream, ice cubes, vanilla extract, rose water and date honey, and blend it all until the banana and all other ingredients form a tempting smooth drink.

For garnishing

In the empty serving glass / jar / mug, drizzle the chocolate sauce to the sides of the jar from inside and then pour the drink in it. Top it off with dry fruits, and finish the look by fixing a chocolate bar / piece into the shake sticking out a shown in the image above.

Is this the way you have your banana shake? let us know in the comments below.

Fusion Fruit Salad

Posted on by irutarts

As we all are well aware of the benefits and nutritional value of various fruits, we are also aware of the fact that many of our kids detest the same.

In order to let our little ones enjoy the fruits and making it more interesting for ourselves the fruit salad is best way for the required nutritional intake.

For Ramadan, the best way to open our fasts is the fruit salad as it boosts our energy while leveling the body temperature.

Here is the easy-peasy recipe for the tempting fruit salad only on glittercut.com.

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fruit salad

Ingredients (serves 4-5)

Apples 1 (chopped)

Banana 1 (chopped)

Orange 1 (chopped)

Mango 1 (chopped)

Grapes a small bunch (cut into halves)

Dates 3-4 cut

Milk 1/2 cup

Condensed milk 4 Tbsp (optional)

Cream 4 Tbsp (optional

For garnishing

Pomegranate 1 (peeled)

Dry fruits chopped: (almonds, pistachio, cashew nuts)

Vanilla ice cream

Rooh afzah (concentrated squash)

Method:

In a bowl add all the chopped fruits, mix well while making sure you do not smash the fruits in the process. (you wouldn’t want to end up making a fruits puree out of all the vigorous mixing :p)

Once the fruits are mixed well, add the half cup of milk along with the cream or condensed milk. Dry fruits can also be added to the dish as per your preference.

Your fruit salad is ready.

For serving

Serve the fruit salad in the serving bowls or dishes, then top it off with a scoop of Vanilla ice cream, drizzle 1 tspn of Rooh Afzah syrup and on top of it all drop the pomegranate arils (seeds) and dry fruits. This makes the fruit salad look tempting, colorful and irresistible.

Tips:

In your fruit salad, you can add any fruits, but, you can avoid watermelon, as it will make the fruit salad very watery and loose its authentic taste. Also, avoid guava as its seeds can be an impediment in relishing the dish.

Adding milk to the fruit salad keeps the apples and the bananas from turning black.

You can add condense milk or sweet cream depending how much more flavor you prefer to add.

Ice cream need not necessarily be vanilla, it can be any ice cream of your choice, but, it goes best with vanilla ice cream.

Fruits salad is best enjoy when had immediately, it can however refrigerated for a day or two.

Do let us know if you are a fan of fruits and how do you like to have your fruits, in the comments below.