Kiwi Quotient !!!

Over the weekend, I was invited to "Kiwi Quotient" an event hosted by Sofitel Hotel in association with New Zealand and Zespri Kiwi Fruit for food bloggers and food lovers. The event showcased the versatility of Kiwi in culinary creations and the distinctiveness of the new variety "Sun Gold Kiwi" which is yellow, sweeter and more juicy!

Not being a regular eater or an ardent fan of Kiwi fruit, I was not aware of it's multiple health benefits. It is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, improves digestion and a good source of folic acid. Diabetics too can enjoy it.

Chefs Indrajit and Prakash of Sofitel demonstrated for us in a Bar setting, how we could make some quick, simple and unique creations... Kiwi Bruschetta- a very unusual, but delicious version of Bruschetta; Kiwi Tam - a yummy and nutritious salad; an exotic cocktail- Kiwi Mania and a non alcoholic beverage - Kiwi Cooler!

Since I am a vegetarian, I tried both the vegetarian creations and gave them a thumbs up - the Bruschetta and Kiwi Cooler. Here's how you can make them too.

Kiwi Bruschetta 
Ingredients                                            

20 gms (4) French Baguette slices

50 gms Avacado

50 gms Kiwi Fruit

5 gms green chillies

10ml Lemon Juice

5 gms salt

30 gms Racket lettuce

10gms Parmesan cheese

5 gms coriander leaves

For garnish, Gojo berries or any other berries or cherry tomatoes.

Method:    

Cut the kiwi and avacado in small pieces and keep aside in a bowl

Chop the coriander, green chillies and mix with avacado and kiwi 

Add in salt and lemon juice

Slice the baguette and lightly toast them. Drizzle with olive oil.

Spoon out the mixture on the toasted baguette slice and garnish with a few berries.

KIWI COOLER                                                                           

Ingredients:

60 ml Fresh Kiwi Pulp

10  to 12  Fresh Mint leaves

30 ml Sour Mix ( 2 parts lime 1 part sugar)

Dash of Soda

Method:

Gently muddle mint leaves and add all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker.

Add ice cubes and shake it well. 

Pour it in a HI- Ball glass

Garnish with Fresh cut slice of kiwi and mint sprig.

The sour mix and mint leaves bring out the flavour  & refreshing appeal of this drink.

I also realised that since Kiwi has a very mild taste and flavour, adding stronger flavours like lemon, garlic , cheese accentuate the taste of the different  creations!