The quick triple layer snack- power packed yummy deal!

  

The three-layer power-packed meal  

Being a mom is no joke, truly! Sometimes it feels hectic with loads of responsibility and dearth of energy to fulfill it. It was a tough day for me traveling almost 90 km. and back at home to cook something yummy for my kids. I had an innovative idea and implemented that with ease. The snack was just a triple layered one; carbohydrate, vitamins, and protein-packed meal. It’s wholesome and tasty. Well, now my kids demand it almost every day. Well, with some boiled potatoes and some cooked veggies, anybody can make this yummy meal.

Preparation: For 3-4 people

Ingredients:

(For the first layer)

3-4 medium sized boiled potatoes, de-skinned and mashed.

(For the second layer)

A ½ floret of broccoli (medium sized),

2 medium-sized onions chopped,

1 medium sized tomato chopped,

1 medium-sized bell pepper chopped,

½ cup of sweet corn,

(For the third layer)

3-4 eggs

Salt,

Garlic paste,

Soya sauce (3 teaspoons),

Three slices of cheddar cheese,

Oil for cooking,

1 teaspoon of mixed herbs.

Equipment required:

Microwave

Procedure:

1.       Put all the chopped vegetable- onion, bell pepper, tomatoes to a container and cook them with the slightest oil. Add garlic paste and the toss all the vegetable nicely. Add soya sauce to the mixture and leave. Keep the cooked vegetable aside.

2.        Take the eggs in a bowl and prepare a batter. Add salt and herbs to it.

         For the first layer:

1.       Take a bowl and layer with the mashed potatoes for the bottom layer. Add one slice of cheddar cheese and then microwave for 2-3 minutes till the cheese melts.

For the second layer:

2.       Place the second layer with a ladle of cooked veggies. Add another slice of cheddar cheese and then microwave for 2-3 minutes till the cheese melts.

For the third layer:

3.       Take the battered egg and put some herbs to it. Place over the layer of veggies and then microwave for 5-6 minutes.

The egg layer will settle and then it’s ready to be served.  The meal should be scooped and put in a plate to enjoy. The three layers become distinct. Trust me, the taste is simply heavenly. Simple ingredients put together to form a delicious wholesome meal.

Jewels of London that allure the tourists ( part 5)

                   

Hop on - hop off buses are a  great way touring London 

London is a place of varied culture and preserved heritage. Starting with the Romans of the historic age and ending with the modern immigrant, London has been the best place to settle. The city embraces people from various diversities and made a place for each community. The beauty of London lies in the eyes of the beholder; yes, but she has some iconic landmarks that call tourist from beyond boundaries.  I was almost completing the tour of the city, and the last day I accomplished a walking tour and saw some famous landmarks without which my tour would have been an absolute zero.

                  

Piccadilly Circus when bustling with tourists 

Piccadilly Circus: We strolled across Piccadilly Circus to have some views of the place and I felt like this place is so known to me, courtesy the media. Eventually, the word circus refers to animals, acrobats, and tents but there was nothing that sort. The word circus is being derived from the Latin to mean circle. This is around the junction with a famous statue at the center and surrounded by videos and neon signs.  The British lexicon Piccadilly Circus is used to refer to a place that means exceptionally busy. 

                      

The iconic angel stands amidst the busy crossing 

The word Piccadilly has been into existence since 1600 as ‘piccadills’ or a type of fancy neck collar used to be available.  There’s mention of the place in various novels including many of Charles Dickens.  The place has six illuminated screens which are switched off at regular intervals.

                                        

A screen that is the trademark of Piccadilly square 

 The famous screens are of Coca-Cola, TDK, Mac Donald, Hyundai, Samsung, and LG.  The place is accessible from other attractions like Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, National portrait gallery, National Gallery, and St. Martins in the fields.

                  

Strolling along one of the busiest streets of United Kingdom

Oxford Street:  Next, we started strolling along Oxford-street. Oxford Street is one of the busiest places of London which is home to almost 300 shopping centers. I was basically wooed to see the brands flashing, hoardings and yes, I was lucky to avail the special summer discounts for some brands. The famous brands that jostle space are – Selfridges, John Lewis, BHS, House of Fraser, Debenhams, Marks & Spencer and many more. We were told that Oxford Street gets specially decked up for Christmas. This is the major road of the city of Westminster situated in the west end of London. 

                     

Where brands jostle space 

The road runs from Tottenham court road to Marble Arch. Almost half a million visitors come here every day to satiate their shopping spree. 
                                             
                                        

Great landmarks that denote the city's opulence 

There is no dearth of restaurants and cinema complex in Oxford Street. It’s a thrill to walk among the busiest streets of the UK.

           

Trafalgar Square visited by tourists

Trafalgar Square: We whizz passed the Trafalgar square while on the Big Bus tour. Then took some time to explore the iconic place of the Queen’s city. This is a public square situated in central London, which was formerly known as Charing Cross.  The iconic structure was built to commemorate the battle of Trafalgar where the British naval won victory against France and Spain in the Napoleonic War. The famous place is surrounded by galleries, museums, historic buildings, and cultural spaces. This place is famous as any political party holds their rallies and demonstrations. The Mayor supports this democratic tradition. The main attractions here are Nelson’s column, fountains, statues, and the fourth plinth. The statues in the display are General Sir Charles James Napier, General Sir Henry Havelock, and King George VI. It was fun to loiter across Trafalgar square. We had a great photography session. Nice to capture great moments at great places.

                                   

St. Pauls Cathedral, media's favorite 

St Paul’s Cathedral: We came across St. Pauls Cathedral, the awesome dome-shaped religious center which marks an iconic structure across the skyline of London. There is a collection of awe-inspiring history once you step inside the cathedral. This was mostly viewed when royal marriage and other State events were telecasted. Oh yes, how can I forget the fairy tale marriage of Charles and Diana?  The entry fees to the cathedral are £18 per person.
                                 

Inside St. Paul's Cathedral ( collected)

 It is accessible by bus from various corners of the city. The attraction is covered in the city tour plan of Big Bus, Original tour and other hops on - hop off city tours.  St Pauls is an Anglican church and the seat of the bishop of London. They offer free guided tours on arrival. The audio guide is available in eight different languages.

In one word, London can woe any visitor with her charm and elegance. The more you see the more you feel short of words describing her opulence. A quiet stroll near the tower bridge, a panoramic view of the city from the Shards or might be a cruise along the Thames River is not enough to realize the magnificence of the Queen’s city. She has a rich history, a great future and presently the bull’s eye of travelers and International students. Yes, London has a wide array of options for any cosmopolitan crowd and you will simply love the varied culture she offers.

The next day, we decided to visit Oxford, the education hub of the United Kingdom. 

Jewels of London that allure the tourists (Part 4)

                         

360 view of the Queen's city from Shard 

The aim to visit London was to look at the Queen. Yes, I was excited to see the official residence of the Queen, Buckingham Palace. Looks like the gate, the balcony is so known to me although I saw that for the first time. We were so excited at the view of the historical palace. There is a tour conducted by travel companies that take you into the Staterooms as well as observe the change of guards. Change of guards is a colorful ceremony and you have to be present 45 minutes before the march takes place. The march starts exactly from 11 o’ clock in the morning. In fact, the time can change depending on weather, but it is generally informed to the visitors. The ceremony is beguiling to watch.

Buckingham Palace tour and change of guards:   Observing the change of guards is an enthralling affair. But, there is a long queue, entry ticket for the palace. It’s better if you can buy the tickets online. The State house of the palace is open to the public for two months, starting from 27^th July till 30^th September. 

                

Buckingham Palace gate 

After observing the change of guards, the visitors are taken inside the palace. You will definitely get goosebumps. There’s a lot to see and feel. Those moments when the British channel broadcasted special moments like Lady Diana’s interview, Queen’s interview and of course the family get together, are all here.

                    

Throne room @ Buckingham Palace ( collected)

 In fact, cameras were not allowed in general. All photographs in the blog are taken from special sources. The visitors are generally enchanted to see the throne room, ballroom and there are other State rooms of the Palace.

                             

Royal corridors ( collected)

 There are 19 staterooms out of which one is working, where the Queen meets her guests. There are priceless decorations inside the staterooms that include paintings by Rubens, Rembrandt, and Canaletto.

       

Historic chariot in vogue from King George VI

It’s enchanting to view the royal coach that is displayed in the royal mews. It’s fascinating to view the State Gold coach which was used from the time of King George VI. The rooms are just a combination of aristocracy and style. The coach is now used during official ceremonies like engagement, coronation, baptism, and weddings. It's a great chance to observe from a close distance. 

   

The Royal garden @Buckinghamm palace ( collected)

There is an arrangement where the visitors are taken to Doubletree Hilton or the Grosvenor house for afternoon tea. This arrangement is included in the ticket. Tea and snacks are served. You will be fascinated with the taste of scones, pastries, and sandwiches along with tea. It’s a great feeling to be royal among the royals in the royal garden.

                            

The breath-taking view of the city

360-degree view of London from Shard, the highest point of Western Europe: Afternoon I was off  for Shard, is the highest point of Western Europe. We bought tickets at the gate for the family to visit the observatory tower. In fact, Shard is the address to various restaurants and offices. A view of the city from here is truly breath-taking. You may cherish a dining experience and also enjoy the disco. Well, all you can do is experience is taste the world-class champagne available here. Various events and festivals occur here and tourists from around the globe desire to pay a visit here.

In fact, apart from the glass covered watchtower, there is another open sky deck from where you can see the Queen’s city. In fact, this was one of the best views I saw and took photos. I have seen cities like Paris and Dubai from the tallest manmade structures, but London is just ‘wow’. It’s a lifetime experience that will be framed in golden in my memories.