Palamedes Swallowtail Butterfly feasting on nectar of Bull Thistle Flower. {Bull Thistle Plant in Yard - Part 1}

Last year summer one wild plant grew near  our patio door admist  Mint plants, It was tiny with five six leaves, I didn't think much and  left it in the ground, it survived harsh winter and by spring it started to grow taller with beautiful  thorny leaves. Google search based on the  leaf description yielded me result of  Bull Thistle Plant. (Cirsium vulgare) In the month of May it started showing signs of bloom and by first week of June beautiful purple thistle flowers started blooming all over the plant. On July 4th  one beautiful Palamedes Swallowtail Butterfly came in search of nectar,  it stayed around flowers for few minutes and that gave me good chance to capture images through Patio glass door. Butterfly images are taken around  11.15 a.m., it was very bright sunny day, glass door acted as a nice filter. I am glad to share these images with you. I will have one more post coming up with American Gold finch images taken while enjoying Bull Thistle seeds. They take several rounds to eat thistle seeds and today one female finch started collected white silky texture material from seeds to use in her nest. Now Thistle bloom is ending, plant is drying and collapsing. Today I removed two dried stems. I am glad that I left this Bull Thistle plant to grow, it was great joy to see it growing and frequented by Gold finches, butterflies, bees and insects.

Simple flower arrangement with Bull Thistle flowers.

Bumble Bee sipping nectar from Bull Thistle Flower.

Dried Bull Thistle flower head.

Palamedes Swallowtail Butterfly

Bull Thistle plant is full of spines.

Opened dried Thistle flower head with  silky fiber.

Female American gold  Finch  picking up Bull Thistle seeds.

Sprouting Moong Beans inside warm oven. {Black and White Wednesday #91}

This week for Black and White Wednesday event I am submitting image of  sprouted Moong Beans. Few days back  for the first time I sprouted moong beans inside the oven by maintaining warm temperatures, it worked very well. I was to keep  dosa batter in the oven  for fermentation, also kept soaked moong dal alongside batter without knowing if it would bring any better results. I soaked Moong beans in water on Sunday morning and  by Monday noon fully sprouted moong beans were ready to cook, that is around 30 hours of total time to sprout moong beans. I  had covered soaked moong  beans inside wet thick paper towel and placed  it inside vented plastic basket.  I will be doing similar experiments with other beans and lentils.

This week Susan from The Well Seasoned cook  is hosting Black and White Wednesday Event #91, who is also a founder of this event. Now Cinzia of  Cindystarblog is a new admin for Susan's Black and White Wednesday Event. For all guidelines  and an index of  all future event hosting blogs please check Cinzia's  post here. Participants can join Flickr group created for B&W event. Next event (BWW #92, 17th July-2013) will be hosted by Simona of  briciole. 

Black and White Wednesday
 Event #91, 10th July-2013

Herb flavored Green beans and Beetroot Stir Fry. {Black and White Wednesday # 88 }

This week for Black and White Wednesday event I am submitting image of Green beans and Beetroot stir fry. This  Kerala style Thoran  gets refreshing  twist from use of  fresh sage and Greek Oregano herb. Generally fresh grated coconut it used but I additionally garnished  this stir fry  with  generous quantity of fresh coconut shavings.

Sreevalli from Ammaji Recipes is hosting Black and White Wednesday Event #88. Susan, author of TheWell Seasoned Cook is a founder of this event. Now Cinzia of  Cindystarblog is a new admin for Susan's Black and White Wednesday Event. For all guidelines  and an index of  all future event hosting blogs please check Cinzia's  post here. Participants can join Flickr group created for B&W event. Next event (BWW #89, 26th June-2013) will be hosted by Lynne  of  CafeLynnylu. 

Herb flavored Green beans and Beetroot Thoran.

Black and White Wednesday
 Event #88, 19th June-2013

Growing Garlic in a pot. {Black and White Wednesday #87}

This is my  eleventh image submission for Black and White Wednesday event #87, 12th June, 2013. Jasmina from JazzyKitchen is hosting the Event. Susan, author of TheWell Seasoned Cook is a founder of this event. Now Cinzia of  Cindystarblog is a new admin for Susan's Black and White Wednesday Event. For all guidelines  and an index of  all future event hosting blogs please check Cinzia's  post here. Participants can join Flickr group created for B&W event. Next event (BWW #88, 19th June-2013) will be hosted by Sreevalli  of  AmmajiRecipes.

This week I am submitting image of pot harvested Garlic. Many times I collect  vegetable scraps and waste, add it in pots with layers of soil, dry leaves. After few months that pot yields healthy soil. During September -October month I had put some vegetable waste in the pot, it had some sprouted garlic cloves. After few days I noticed  few  green sprouts in the pot.  I doubted it to be Garlic. After few days  one more small garlic plant rose up. We had quite harsh winter this year but Garlic plants stood all green and healthy. By early first week of June I pulled out small plant and was amazed to see tiny garlic bulb. On 9th June  I took out the big one which has a big size garlic bulb. I have placed  both bulbs in a basket  to dry. It took around 8-9 months to harvest garlic in a pot. Now I plan to press few more sprouted garlic cloves in a containers. Scroll down to see more images of Garlic plant.

{B&WW#87]  Pot Harvested Garlic.

Cold, frosty, snowy weather kept Garlic plants all Green.

Image taken in mid January.

By end of the March Garlic plant was well grown.

By second week of June stem started to dry out. 

It was time to pull out garlic plant.

A well grown garlic bulb out of pot.

small garlic bulb was pulled out one week before.

All most   8-9  months to harvest  garlic in a pot.

Black and White Wednesday
 Event #87

Sattvic Lunch - Rice and Tofu Curry in Yu Choy Puree. {Black and White Wednesday #86}

This is my Tenth image submission for Black and White Wednesday event #86, 05th June, 2013. Deepali Jain from Confusion Cook is hosting the Event. Susan, author of TheWell Seasoned Cook is a founder of this event. Now Cinzia of  Cindystarblog is a new admin for Susan's Black and White Wednesday Event. For all guidelines  and an index of  all future event hosting blogs please check Cinzia's  post  here. Participants can join Flickr group created for B&W event. Next event (BWW #87, 12th June-2013) will be hosted by Jasmina of  Jazzy Kitchen.

This week I am submitting image of Sattvic lunch plate. This is simple rice and vegetable-tofu curry lunch served with warm cumin infused water. Curry is made in sliced green capsicum and yu choy puree gravy base without adding onion and garlic, it is cooked in coconut oil. Garam masala is not used, it is seasoned with cumin corriander powder and fresh ginger.

Sattvic Lunch - Rice and Tofu curry

Black and White Wednesday
 Event #86

Black and White Wednesday # 85, {Onion, Cilantro, Florida Hot Green Chili Fritters.}

This is my Ninth image submission for Black and White Wednesday event #85, 29th May, 2013. Priya from Humpty Dumpty Kitchen is hosting the Event. Susan, author of TheWell Seasoned Cook is a founder of this event. Now Cinzia of  Cindystarblog is a new admin for Susan's Black and White Wednesday Event. For all guidelines  and an index of  all future event hosting blogs please check Cinzia's  post  here. Participants can join Flickr group created for B&W event. Next event (BWW #86, 5th June-2013) will be hosted by Deepali Jain of  Confusion Kitchen.

This week I am submitting image of fritter made with Onion,Cilantro leaves, Cilantro stems and Florida hot green chillies. These fritters are shaped like birds nest and are gluten free and Eggless. Besan flour (gram flour) is used for binding. I  was left with one single fritter to take an image so did extra styling to make fritter look appealing. I have placed tomato ketchup, mint leaf, sage flowers. These tiny circles are root portion of Beetroot, which are peeled, sliced and arranged. Check Fritter recipe post here.

Onion, Cilantro, Florida Hot Green Chili Fritter.

Black and White Wednesday
 Event #85

Black and White Wednesday #84 {Fresh coconut, Hemp hearts and Chia seed ladoos}

This is my eighth image submission for Black and White Wednesday event #84, 22nd May, 2013. Simona from Briciole is hosting the Event. Susan, author of TheWell Seasoned Cook is a founder of this event. Now Cinzia of  Cindystarblog is a new admin for Susan's Black and White Wednesday Event. For all guidelines  and an index of  all future event hosting blogs please check Cinzia's  post  here. Participants can join Flickr group created for B&W event. Next event (BWW #85, 29th May-2013) will be hosted by Priya of  Humpty Dumpty Kitchen.

This week I am submitting image of  special power packed super food ladoos made with Chia seeds, Hemp hearts and fresh grated coconut. Ladoos are sweetened with honey and little brown sugar, no oil or ghee is used but it contains natural coconut oil from fresh grated coconut. Ladoos are flavored with cardamom and nutmeg. This is the  first time I have used  Chia seeds and raw shelled Hemp seeds in cooking. These two versatile super foods can be very well used in Indian cooking.

Chia seed, Hemp hearts and fresh coconut ladoos.

Black and White Wednesday
 Event #84

Black and White Wednesday #83 {Spanish Lavender Flower arrangement.}

This is my seventh image submission for Black and White Wednesday event #83, 15th May, 2013. Shruthi from Food and Clicks is hosting the Event. Susan, author of TheWell Seasoned Cook is a founder of this event. Now Cinzia of  Cindystarblog is a new admin for Susan's Black and White Wednesday Event. For all guidelines  and an index of  all future hosting blogs please check Cinzia's  post  here. Participants can join Flickr group created for B&W event. Next event (BWW #84, 22nd May-2013) will be hosted by Simona of  Briciole.

This week I am submitting image of Lavender flowers arrangement in tiny glass bottle. This Spanish lavender, variety is very aromatic and has bright purple flowers with unique shape. I got this bunch from our Raleigh downtown farmers market.  I have not used lavender spice in any dish but looking forward to cook some Indian dishes with Lavender spice seasoning.

Spanish Lavender flowers arranged in small bottle.

Black and White Wednesday Event #82

Black and White Wednesday #81 {Scallion and Red Capsicum Paratha.}

This is my sixth image submission for Black and White Wednesday event #81,1st May, 2013. Lynne from Cafelynnylu is hosting the Event. Susan, author of TheWell Seasoned Cook is a founder of this event. Now Cinzia of  Cindystarblog is a new admin for Susan's Black and White Wednesday event. For all guidelines  and an index of  all future hosting blogs please check Cinzia's  post  here. Participants can join Flickr group created for B&W event. Next event (BWW #82, 8th May-2013) will be hosted by Alex at food4thght..

This week my  two submissions are images of  Vegetable Parathas. These parathas were made in the  morning hours to pack for lunch. It took me less than half an hour to make 5 parathas from scratch. I made them by combining  green onions, red bell pepper, onion and cilantro, no spices are used  so they are packed with  natural  flavor of  veggies and herbs. Click here for Paratha Recipe.

Scallion and Red Bell Pepper Paratha

 Green onion and Red Capsicum Paratha.

Black and White Wednesday Event #81

Black and White Wednesday #80 {Burnt Roti over Griddle, Artistic patterns of black circles from burnt Roti/Chapati.}

This is my fifth image submission for Black and White Wednesday event #80,  24th April, 2013.This week I am submitting the image of burnt roti over griddle. Preparing rotis/chapatis is everyday chore for an Indian woman, every rolled roti  gets a distinct pattern of burnt marks. Patterns are  based on type of gas stove, metal type of the griddle, dough ingredients, texture and thickness of rolled roti.  Last week while preparing roti I  rushed to get phone call and forgot about roti, in few moments roti got burnt, it turned smoky around griddle. I quickly flipped  the roti and saw beautiful pattern of black rounds, It was catchy enough to take picture. Roti turned too hard and was not edible. I added it to my  collection of burnt rotis. One day I plan to capture design patterns of burnt marks from fried roti/chapatis specially the burnt ones.

This week Anusha  from TomatoBlues is hosting the event. Susan, author of TheWell Seasoned Cook is a founder of this event. Now Cinzia of  Cindystarblog is a new admin for Susan's Black and White Wednesday event. For all guidelines  and an index of  all future hosting blogs please check Cinzia's  post  here. Participants can join Flickr group created for B&W event. Next event (BWW #81, 1st May-2013) will be hosted by Lynne at cafelynnylu.

Design patterns of Burnt Roti over Griddle.

Black and White Wednesday Event #80

Black and White Wednesday #79 {Chana Dal and Barley Payasam.}

This is my fourth image submission for Black and White Wednesday event #79, 17th April, 2013. This week Shruthi from food and clicks is hosting the event. Susan, author of TheWell Seasoned Cook is a founder of this event. Now Cinzia of  Cindystarblog is a new admin for Susan's Black and White Wednesday event. For all guidelines  and an index of  all future hosting blogs please check Cinzia's  post  here. Participants can join Flickr group created for B&W event.

Next event (BWW #80) will be hosted by Anusha at Tomato Blues.

My following two images are taken last week end while preparing Chana Dal and Barley payasam for Vishu Festival. I cooked this Payasam/kheer in a slow cooker. It took  around 5 hours to prepare payasam. Click here to check original images and recipe for Chana Dal Kheer.

South Indian festival Sweet - Payasam

Cooking Chana Dal and Barley payasam in Slow cooker.

Black and White Wednesday Event #79

Black and White Wednesday #78 { Mini cucumber Stir fry in Tomatillo and Cilantro stems gravy}

This is my third entry for Susan's Black and White Wednesday event #78, April 10, 2013. Aparna from MydiverseKitchen is hosting this event. Susan, author of TheWell Seasoned Cook is a founder of this event. Now Cinzia of  Cindystarblog is a new admin for Susan's Black and White Wednesday event. For all guidelines  and an index of  all future hosting blogs please check her post  here. Participants can join Flickr group created for B&W event. Next event (BWW #79)will be hosted by Shruthi at food and clicks.

I am contributing following two images  to Black and White Wednesday Event - Week #78  April 10, 2013  which is being hosted by Aparna at MyDiverseKitchen.

This  ingredient image is  taken while preparing stir fry with mini snacking cucumbers. Gravy base is made with cilantro stems and Tomatillos. It is spiced with Serrano pepper and ginger, This is sattvik  dish because onion, Garlic and Garam Masala is not used. Click here to see posted Recipe.

Image of mini cucumber subzi in Tomatillo and cilantro gravy.

Black and White Wednesday Event #78