Cupertino Throwdown

It is end of March and still keeping up with my new year resolution to exercise daily … well I get to the YMCA at least 4 times a week. To be honest, it does get dull and boring to keep using the exercise equipment.

But I have stumbled upon a way to brighten this dull routine. I made friends with two other ladies, Tulika and Savitha who work out next to me. We had a lot in common; we loved to cook healthy food, we loved to experiment with different cuisine, and we realized that we watched the same TV show on the TV console in front of our exercise machine, everyday.

Food Network's Throwdown with Bobby Flay. A fun cooking show which highlights two chefs cooking the same dish with their own creative touch.

As we watched it everyday, we always had our own take on the recipe....

“He should have added some roasted chilies to it.”

"Is he really adding so much butter?”

“He could have just baked it instead of frying it.”

One sunny morning as we exercised and were busy commenting, we decided that we should have our own Cupertino Throwdown with three chefs. As we exercised we decided the rules and the ground work was all laid for the first Cupertino Throwdown.

The theme for the first competition was salad, with star of event being broccoli, carrots, one fruit and one protein were on the 'must have' ingredient list.

The rest was left up to the creativity of the cooks.

We had four official tasters who were to judge for the taste, texture and presentation.

I personally feel that competition always brings out the best in creativity.

Unfortunately, on the day of the event, Savitha had to opt out due to health reasons.

Here are Tulika's and my creations.

The official winner of this competition is top secret!

Go ahead and make it at home and decide which is your favorite. Here is one recipe, check back tomorrow for the second.

Lip-smacking Broccoli Salad

The tangy flavor booster chaat masala elevates the broccoli salad to a different level. Do not be surprised if you go in for second helpings.

1 bunch of broccoli

2 carrots, juilenned

5 asparagus spears

1 apple diced

1 avocado sliced

6-7 walnuts, chopped

1 tablespoon crunchy noodles or Indian Shev

Salad dressing

2 tablesppon olive oil

1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

½ teaspoon dijon mustard paste

1 teaspoon chaat masala (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

In a bowl add the vegetables and keep aside.

Mix the olive, balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard paste chaat masala, vigorously with a fork and keep aside.

Pour the salad dressing and coat the vegetables well.

Finally place the salad on a plate and garnish with noodles or Shev.

Hema's Hints: Chaat masala is tangy spice blend availble in Indian stores. It adds zing to any salad or roast vegetables.

Shev is a snack available in Indian stores. It is a thin fried noodle made up of garbanzo flour.