Chocolate Crunch Recipe – A Sweet Addition to the South African Dessert

In anticipation of Karva Chauth, a festival special to married women, there is a tradition of adorning oneself and admiring the moon. Every woman wishes for her face to shine like the moon on this auspicious day. However, visiting a salon for expensive procedures can take up a lot of time, and rushing often leads to substandard care.

If you cannot visit a salon, there is no need to worry. With two simple ingredients available at home—yogurt and besan—you can achieve a professional radiant effect in just three simple steps.

Besan is responsible for deep cleansing and exfoliating the skin, while yogurt provides hydration, giving the face a natural glow and firmness. This care routine can be performed by following three simple stages:

Step 1: Cleansing

To prepare the mixture, mix one tablespoon of besan with one tablespoon of raw milk or yogurt until a paste is formed. Apply this mixture to the face and neck, gently massaging in circular motions for two minutes, then rinse with clean water. This will help remove all dust and dirt from the face.

Step 2: Scrubbing

Prepare a scrub by mixing one tablespoon of besan, half a tablespoon of yogurt, and a pinch of finely ground sugar or oat powder. Apply this mixture to the face and gently scrub for three to four minutes. This will remove dead skin cells and clear blackheads. Afterwards, rinse the face with water.

Step 3: Mask and Massage for Radiance

To make the mask, mix two tablespoons of besan, one large tablespoon of thick yogurt, a little honey, and a pinch of turmeric to form a smooth paste. Apply this mask evenly to the face and neck. Leave it to dry for 15–20 minutes, then rinse with warm or regular water. Finish the procedure by applying a light moisturizing cream or aloe vera gel to the face.

There are staircases that lead to an observation deck, and there are others that are the destination in themselves. Eight such examples demonstrate how an ordinary set of steps can transform into an outstanding architectural, historical, or engineering structure—from ancient wells in India to a sculptural staircase inside a former grain silo in Cape Town.

In the village of Abhaneri, located about 95 km from Jaipur, thousands of stone steps descend into one of India's most remarkable historical structures—the Chand Baori well. This well dates back to the ninth century and was built for collecting and storing water in a region where water was vital. It consists of approximately 3,500 steps distributed across 13 levels and forms a precise geometric pattern that becomes increasingly astonishing when viewed from above. A steep pavilion runs along one side. Although the wells were originally utilitarian structures, they also served as gathering places for local communities. Today, Chand Baori is one of Rajasthan's most characteristic architectural monuments and is worth deviating from the route from Jaipur.

Reasons to visit:

It is worth visiting to see how a practical solution to the water shortage problem has turned into an exceptional example of design.

The Spanish Steps connects the Plaza de España with the Trinità dei Monti church above. This 18th-century staircase was built between 1723 and 1726 by Francesco de Santis and is distinguished by its curved flights and landings, which give it a unique shape. It is one of Rome's most famous attractions, but its appeal goes beyond architecture. The staircase is located in the center of a bustling part of the city, surrounded by historic streets, shops, and cafes. To appreciate the design before the crowds arrive, it is recommended to come early. It should be noted that according to local rules, sitting on the steps is prohibited to protect the monument.

Reasons to visit:

A visit allows you to see a part of Rome's history that remains an integral part of daily urban life.

Climbing up Sigiriya means following a staircase through the ruins of a 5th-century royal fortress. This site was built by King Kashyapa and rises above the surrounding forest; the final ascent passes between huge carved lion paws. Along the way, visitors discover ancient gardens, water features, and frescoes. At the top, the ruins of the former royal complex offer views of the surrounding countryside. The climb can be tiring in the heat, so you should bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and allocate several hours for exploration.

Reasons to visit:

It is an opportunity to experience an ancient fortress where the ascent itself is part of the history.

The Potemkin Stairs connects the historical center of Odessa with its port. Built in the 19th century, this staircase is known for the optical illusion created by its design: from above, the flights and landings seem to merge into one continuous descent. This attraction gained international fame thanks to Sergei Eisenstein's 1925 film 'Battleship Potemkin,' which featured a memorable scene on these steps. Today, the staircase remains one of Odessa's defining landmarks. A funicular is nearby, offering an alternative to climbing, while the stairs themselves provide a direct route between the city and the embankment.

Reasons to visit:

The staircase is valuable for its unusual design and place in film history.

On Mount Tianmen, 999 steps lead to a vast natural arch known as the Gate of Heaven. The staircase ascends to this opening in the mountain, making the climb the main highlight of the visit. There are other ways to view the area, including the cable car from Zhangjiajie and a winding mountain road. However, for those who enjoy physical challenges, the staircase offers a closer encounter with the mountain. Before traveling, check local access rules, as conditions and restrictions for visitors may change.

Reasons to visit:

It is a chance to ascend to one of China's most recognizable natural landmarks.

Inside the Loreto chapel, there is a wooden spiral staircase that has attracted visitors for generations. Built around 1878, it rises approximately 6 meters to the choir, twisting upwards without a central supporting column. Its unusual construction inspired the name 'Miraculous Staircase.' According to local religious legend, a mysterious carpenter appeared after the Sisters of Loreto prayed for a way to reach the choir, built the staircase, and disappeared. This story remains part of the chapel's appeal, although the identity of the carpenter and the details of the construction remain subjects of debate. Regardless of the truth of this legend, the staircase is an impressive example of craftsmanship.

Reasons to visit:

A visit allows you to see an unusual wooden artifact and learn the history behind its enduring fame.

Inside the former grain silo in Cape Town, on Wale and Andries Street, a sculptural staircase winds through the concrete structure of the Zeitz MOCAA museum. The design group Heatherwick Studio designed the museum, which opened in 2017 after converting the industrial building into a contemporary art museum. Instead of demolishing the silos, the architects preserved much of the original structure and carved out a dramatic central atrium. The staircase is part of this transformation, fitting into one of the narrow cylindrical spaces of the silo. It is also worth exploring the museum's galleries, which feature contemporary works of art from Africa and its diaspora.

Reasons to visit:

It is an opportunity to see how a former industrial building has been transformed into one of Cape Town's most distinctive cultural spaces.

These staircases were built for various reasons: from water storage and connecting cities to reaching mountain peaks and renovating old buildings. The appeal of each lies in the history behind it. Some require some effort to reach the top, while others invite you to slow down and examine the details more closely. In any case, they prove that sometimes the journey between two places can be as interesting as the destination itself.

In Indian families, rotis, parathas, and puris are often prepared, especially on festive occasions. Although potato curry puris are very popular, if you want something crispy and tasty for tea, you can try mint puris.

These puris, made from wheat flour and fresh mint, have a spicy flavor. They can be eaten for breakfast or prepared in advance for trips. After thorough frying and cooling, the mint puris can be stored in an airtight container. Preparing these puris is quite simple and requires some common spices at home. Below is an easy way to prepare mint puris.

Mint Puri Recipe:

First, you need to prepare the dough. In a large bowl, take wheat flour, add finely chopped mint, turmeric powder, red chili, asafoetida, and salt to taste. Mix all ingredients thoroughly so that the spices and mint are evenly distributed in the dough.

Next, knead the dough. Add two teaspoons of oil and mix well. Gradually adding water, knead a relatively stiff dough. It is important that the dough is slightly denser than the dough for regular roti, as this will ensure a crispy texture for the puri when fried. Cover the dough and leave it for 10–15 minutes.

After some time, knead the dough well again. Form small balls from it and roll out round puris using a rolling pin. Do not roll them too thinly or too thickly so that they fry properly.

Fry in hot oil. Heat oil in a pan, set the heat to medium, and place the puris one by one. Fry, turning them, until golden and crispy. Then remove the puris and place them on a rack or paper towel to drain excess oil.

Cool and store. Fry all the puris this way and let them cool completely. After that, they should be placed in a clean, airtight container. It should be remembered that the container should not be closed with hot puris, otherwise the steam may make them soft.

What to Serve with Mint Puri?

Crispy mint puris can be eaten with morning tea. Additionally, they can be served with pickled peaches, lemon marinade, or your favorite sauce. This is also a great snack during travel or when feeling slightly hungry.

Important note: Before adding the mint leaves to the dough, they must be thoroughly washed and dried. This will prevent excess moisture from getting into the dough and help the puris become crispier.