tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6422235516503939452024-03-13T05:54:44.772+05:30Baker in Disguisebaker in disguisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03055149985884994250noreply@blogger.comBlogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642223551650393945.post-35615566638290241382020-12-14T19:36:00.002+05:302020-12-14T19:36:49.592+05:30Basque Burnt Cheesecake <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">So, the year that wouldn't get over and the year that just passed by is finally on its home stretch. It's also the time when we take stock of the year that was. Aided by year-end listicles, I've been thinking back at the year and all the time we spent in the kitchen. As the world outside locked down, that's where we all seemed to retreat to. And we cooked food that was in equal parts, essential and elaborate, nourishing and indulgent and of course, resourceful and comforting. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And who can forget the baking. Even my defunct blog seemed to get more traffic than usual. Whilst it was the banana bread and the sourdough revolution that got all the headlines, for me, it was the Basque burnt cheesecake that seemed to pop up everywhere I turned online. Of course, at the time we were under a strict lockdown that necessitated rationing and frankly, with Summer raging outside there's no way I was even looking in the direction of the oven. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">So, the recipe was filed away and finally, given a shot this weekend. And I'm here to shout it from the rooftops that the hype for this recipe is completely justified. It's as if Chef Santiago Rivera heard all complaints about how fussy it is to make a baked cheesecake and came up with an alternative that simplifies the process, lets you make all the mistakes, burn the top and still results in this soft, creamy, light, baked cheesecake that will have you talking about it long after you've eaten it. I speak from experience.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFcLMjORt_I-Q-DhHeoKcs7c5bN042XioJHYym9m0XzbK_5_ibuYvhaXMiaFdhQqyS8iRVEHgnL5H9jumepwbyu4ZN9dzJjLAncMmrZJEkGisQbG15U74wsaYtQIDJXRFCC0DnAcZcQKd/s726/basque1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="726" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFcLMjORt_I-Q-DhHeoKcs7c5bN042XioJHYym9m0XzbK_5_ibuYvhaXMiaFdhQqyS8iRVEHgnL5H9jumepwbyu4ZN9dzJjLAncMmrZJEkGisQbG15U74wsaYtQIDJXRFCC0DnAcZcQKd/s16000/basque1.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><p style="text-align: justify;">I used the <i>Bon Appetit</i> recipe that most people seemed to refer to as a guide. It is all about mixing all the ingredients into a smooth mixture and then baking at a very high temperature. The high temperature is what makes the mixture poof up, burn the top and then when you take it out of the oven, it collapses and cracks. Now, if this had happened with a regular baked cheesecake recipe, you would have fretted but none of that out here. Out here, it is part of the cheesecake's rustic charm. The burnt top forms this crust like top in a cheesecake that has no crust. Under the crust is this creamy, baked filling that is surprisingly lighter than your regular baked cheesecake. Not all cloying or claggy and it does not need anything to pair it with. It is perfect just as it is. I'd recommend flavouring the mixture with a bit of vanilla extract and lemon zest. It helps the flavour profile tremendously. </p></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Since, it's just Mama and me at home, I made a small cheesecake which used the least amount of cream cheese required. It is a recipe that I found on Gayatri's blog, <a href="https://thedessertedgirl.com/2020/08/31/basque-burnt-cheesecake/" target="_blank"><i>'The Desserted Girl'</i></a>. Since it was a small amount of batter, this is not as high as the other cheesecakes that you might see around. But, it was more than enough for the two of us and we may or may not have polished off the whole thing in a day! In our defence, its been a soggy few days out here and we were in a mood for something indulgent and yes, it is THAT good. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Below, I have given recipe links and a few pointers that helped me with this bake. Choose the recipe that works with the size of the springform tin you have. The ingredients and process remains the same. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwtdVY0jO94AP2Im_tE_XfP_VA3WUFP8zkujSeZqCBTGGZvrAyhmdxFBTMgb5o6w0wa3J_Tr1YyLzueaRlyeLbIusQZH7lWVQ3-v-ZoeynBffT1F7VtLdCXVeqwRuXm5Id7_iVdrZL_01Z/s727/basque2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="727" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwtdVY0jO94AP2Im_tE_XfP_VA3WUFP8zkujSeZqCBTGGZvrAyhmdxFBTMgb5o6w0wa3J_Tr1YyLzueaRlyeLbIusQZH7lWVQ3-v-ZoeynBffT1F7VtLdCXVeqwRuXm5Id7_iVdrZL_01Z/s16000/basque2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is so good that I advise you to interrupt whatever you are doing, even if its your Christmas baking and bake this cheesecake. Because this cheesecake is a fitting way to say goodbye to the year and all the negative juju it carried with it. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: left;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: left;">-------------------------------------------------------</span></p><p><span></span></p><p><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Basque Burnt Cheesecake</span></b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">Bon Appetit <a href="https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/basque-burnt-cheesecake" target="_blank"><i>recipe</i></a> : </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is a monster of a recipe and uses a 10-inch springform tin and a mountain of cream cheese. Make it for a large family.</span></li></ul><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li> '<span style="font-family: verdana;">The Desserted Girl' Blog <a href="https://thedessertedgirl.com/2020/08/31/basque-burnt-cheesecake/" target="_blank"><i>recipe</i></a> : </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is the recipe I used for the post today. It uses a lesser amount of cream cheese. I made it in a 6-inch springform tin with 2 inch depth. But it won't be a tall cheesecake.</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you have a 8-inch springform tin then use this <a href="https://kirbiecravings.com/basque-burnt-cheesecake/">recipe </a>. Or you can halve the same recipe for a 6-inch springform tin but you must have a tin with a 3-inch depth. This will give you a tall 6-inch cheesecake.</span></li></ul><span style="font-family: verdana;">Some pointers:</span><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Use parchment paper to line your baking tin and it should extend upto 2 inches above the rim. Use one big sheet of parchment paper to line your tin. If you use two, there is a chance of the mixture seeping through where the two parchment papers meet. </span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I recommend using vanilla extract and the zest of a lemon to flavour the mixture. </span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Once baked and taken out of the oven, let it cool completely to room temperature.Then wrap it and put in the fridge to rest overnight. This helps the flavours set well. The next day, remove from the fridge, let it come to room temperature and then unmould from the parchment paper and cut and serve. </span></li></ul><p></p></div>baker in disguisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03055149985884994250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642223551650393945.post-60856288972777018342020-11-11T15:49:00.007+05:302020-11-11T15:49:55.595+05:30Brown Butter Financiers With Blackberries<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If there's one season whose imagery speaks to me, it is that of Autumn. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Think chunky sweaters, long walks on crunchy fallen leaves, that nip in the air, mugs of steaming hot chocolate, sitting curled up with a good book and a cosy blanket and loads and loads of baking! And all this is great and you can nod along with me in total agreement except for the small, tiny detail that we have no autumn in India! Yes, the hill states in the North might experience it but in my little corner of the world, all we get is a month of pleasant weather that we euphemistically call Winter. So, when November unexpectedly bought a nip in the morning air, much earlier than anticipated, I was all ready to play make-believe. All while conveniently ignoring that hazy smog that's quietly taking over our skylines!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My social media feed is full of baking recipes with apples and blackberries. And pumpkin too, but after all these years of blogging, I still haven't accepted the idea of pumpkin in my desserts. And apples have made an appearance quite a few times on this blog so blackberries it was to be with the help of some readymade blackberry preserve. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ever since I decided to revive my blog, I have been on the lookout for recipes that challenge and expand my existing baking repertoire. I think it was lack of challenge that caused me to stagnate and even kill the joy that I once experienced when I first experimented with baking. Over the past few months of lockdown, I have been particularly enamoured by the idea of working on learning French pastry and baking more keenly. Think puff pastry, financiers, madeleines, eclairs, caneles, croissants, baguettes...you get the picture. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It all sounds so ambitious, so we begin small with financiers. Financiers are these small French tea cakes that taste of brown butter and almonds. They are usually baked in a rectangle moulds and the story goes that they were first made in a pastry shop near the Paris stock exchange. They were baked in rectangle moulds to resemble bars of gold because well, you know <i>those greedy bankers and their love for all things over-the-top! </i></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQCt9q-XKH01QeAvV4fizlvaC3PqG8g4AC9LV6Obco_hPaNHf_Uw84CI9yXPECuAlstVtXjW5oqI-CaRoKyMgiDWjqwfhO-LmDie5hWxM30X6ou34wWUkEHCD4lJHG3xCvi35biE6_iLU/s723/Financiers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="723" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQCt9q-XKH01QeAvV4fizlvaC3PqG8g4AC9LV6Obco_hPaNHf_Uw84CI9yXPECuAlstVtXjW5oqI-CaRoKyMgiDWjqwfhO-LmDie5hWxM30X6ou34wWUkEHCD4lJHG3xCvi35biE6_iLU/s16000/Financiers.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">They turned out quite easy to bake. I have written as detailed a recipe as I could and I urge you to read it once fully before you attempt to bake them. I've realised its the attention to small details and steps during the process that have a huge impact on the final result. Instead of my usual recipes measured in cups and spoons, I've given this one in gms because I believe the recipe demanded that level of exactness to guarantee the result I wanted.</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">What you get are these domed, springy to touch tea cakes that have a firm, brown- around-the-edges top that gives way to reveal a moist, tender, nutty crumb. I've used a blackberry preserve but use whatever catches your fancy, as long as it has a bit of a twang to cut through all the sweetness. And if you get your hands on some fresh blackberries or even raspberries, even better.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Warm out of the oven, I did find these financiers a tad too sweet for my palate. But, and here's my contrary opinion, let these financiers rest a bit, </span><i style="font-family: verdana;">(don't crucify me for suggesting this) </i><span style="font-family: verdana;">maybe even till the next day</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> and they tasted not only less sweeter but the nuttiness was also more pronounced. These are rich ingredients and that's why the blackberry preserve helps to cut through the richness and infuse some fruity freshness. It also means that one tea cake is more than enough to go along with a cup of tea. </span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Before, I sign off, I'd like to draw your attention to an e-cookbook, <b><a href="www.athomecookbook.com" target="_blank">'At Home : </a></b></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><a href="www.athomecookbook.com" target="_blank">Favourite recipes from our kitchens'.</a></b></span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> C</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21;">hefs, writers, home cooks and bloggers from across the country have shared about fifty recipes from their kitchens. All proceeds (you can pay anything upwards of Rs.300) from this cookbook will go towards the work of the Nabhangan Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that work</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21; display: inline;">s with rural communities in Marathawada. (<a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="origin" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nabhanganfoundation.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3CB3z_XrNO9kNA5NDkUlptW2WO3LLp4ar2xpFafT_y87kRE7w_PSqaOCM&h=AT0iG2VZY4kDiwLIQmJOv1Lb6pDxeb4yNQiaY2n1eufrIXBvSUzyf8YhyzhvPg117VqJuRbiFnkkcysGQMNLzQ--QmyDcpCubrhdqWYBTqsHncmMrMa-s4Q1W_5moddnDMEv5DsUj6a3rH4JDsIU11yRYsh0Durwww5KKH2KSDVPt8N4tWrF1oen2Mo0YbWnnI2KinmJMGyvJf-HOY30LPjub7kjits3PgyTulSBoSOK-YDq39foYK7oRVKRO1_jhT45nMS4M_K_yR68MVWpKc5W4G4ffZPtBEWN7vsQ4kGUcZgfcOQoNBtbdXjovW6AYR6eIDceKhV7FxQgg6CZeZTJH4ct_gyoNfVjKqO0VxizTNhNc5YpCnLOQabwlSQbk1TV4TQtHWZrLvqP2JCwe4C1Omjy2Wfb7SxhSWcSBES5XCHFPh-wiPyKpNBLjSg_BAFRE8-fHdD-iZIB5PY0vpgAD9tpolo_5pX36i6G7XRQV1_cWlTBuGbMxxsoZwvdGrgD431qqr9MrHoJ7P-hOUulPrb-ukeI0LbKqVP3V2_UaVvIyKkR2nE4k8JiaNd4xCksvW0ClsFbMUm_rCgvLlAvbm0dhYtQhWCJLaEQBO8YpZZPwrA1AT7JkNrOjOBSrk8wl4TyF7g9hQaru7uiDmw" rel="noopener nofollow" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.nabhanganfoundation.org</a>)</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">They are looking to raise Rs. 3 lakhs which will be used to fund a new school building. At the time of writing this post, they had already collected Rs. 77 thousand that has been used for electrical fittings of the school building in Pandhari, Maharashtra. It is a beautiful, diverse curation of recipes with some stunning photography. Please do have a look to see whether you'd like to contribute towards this cause. </span></div><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Many congratulations Richa and Kasturika for such a commendable effort on this beauty of a cookbook! (www.athomecookbook.com)</i></div></span></span><p></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><br /></i></span></span></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">----------------------------------------------------------------------</span><span></span></p><p><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Brown Butter Financiers With Blackberries</span></b></p><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>Makes 6-8, depending on the size of your moulds. </span><span><em><br /></em></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><strong><br /></strong></span></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><strong>Ingredients: </strong></span></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"></span></span><i>*All ingredients at room temperature</i></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><li class="ingredient"><div style="text-align: justify;">100 gms unsalted butter</div></li><li class="ingredient"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">50 gms almond meal</span></div></li><li class="ingredient"><div style="text-align: justify;">46 gms all-purpose flour/maida</div></li><li class="ingredient"><div style="text-align: justify;">90 gms icing sugar</div></li><li class="ingredient"><div style="text-align: justify;">121 gms egg whites</div></li></span><li><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">2-3 tablespoons of blackberry preserve or any jam/preserve of your choice. (I used <i><a href="https://bhuirajams.com/product/blackberry-preserve/" target="_blank">Bhuira's</a></i> blackberry preserve) You can also use fresh blackberries/raspberries if you have access to them. </span></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Directions:</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Pre-heat the oven to 170 deg C. Mix some softened butter and flour (this is separate from the ingredients list) and use this mixture to grease your muffin moulds.Don't forget to grease the rims of the moulds too. <i>This is a better method to help ease the financiers out of their moulds after they are baked.</i></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Put the butter into a saucepan and let it gently melt. Swirl the pan from time to time to allow it to melt evenly. After a few minutes, as the butter melts, it begins to foam and milk solids will separate at the bottom of the pan. When those milk solids turn a toasty brown and the mixture smells nutty <i>(keep a close watch, the milk solids turns nutty brown in a matter of seconds)</i>, remove the pan from the heat and strain the butter through a sieve into a bowl, to separate out the milk solids. What you will be left in the bowl is the brown butter that will be used in the recipe. Put it aside to cool down to room temperature.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sieve all the dry ingredients - almond meal, flour and icing sugar into a bowl and give them a whisk by hand.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">In another clean, large bowl, whisk the egg whites to medium peaks. <i>You are not looking for stiff peaks.</i></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Once, the egg whites have been whisked, gently fold through the flour mixture into the egg whites with a help of a spatula. <i>Do not dump all the flour mixture in one go. Rather, add in batches, of a few spoons, whilst folding it through.</i></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Once, the flour mixture has been incorporated, add the brown butter to the mixture by way of a slow drizzle while continuing to fold the mixture through. At this stage, add the vanilla extract and fold until it is well mixed. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Fill your muffin moulds upto 3/4 of the way with the batter. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon of blackberry preserve on to each financier and put them to bake. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the top of your financiers have domed, are crisp and golden-brown around the edges and are springy to touch. <i>(Timings can vary depending on your oven)</i> <b>Bake in the middle rack with both rods of your oven on.</b></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Once the financiers are baked, let them cool in the moulds for 10 minutes before removing them. They could get stuck to the rim of your moulds, so gently run a knife around the edges of each financier to help them ease out. Do this gently as financiers are quite delicate. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Serve them warm although I preferred them the next day. You can store them in an air tight container in the fridge for upto 3-4 days. </span></li></ul></div>baker in disguisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03055149985884994250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642223551650393945.post-30987172128473255062020-10-20T18:33:00.004+05:302020-11-01T10:57:48.879+05:30Dishoom's Nankhatai<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Who could have had an inkling of what this year had in store for us?!</i> Right at the onset of the year, I remember announcing that I wanted to start posting on my much ignored blog. And then before I knew it, I..<i>well</i>...we all found ourselves navigating a <i>'new normal'</i> that none of us had prepared for and has proven to be more stubborn than any of us had reckoned. You would all understand when I say that the past few months of lockdown restrictions have been a roller coaster of contrasting emotions that has left us all, for lack of a more articulate word, fatigued.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>In the past few months, p</span><span>atience is a virtue we've all had to cultivate especially as we witnessed the games our mind can conjure up with paranoia and insecurity. </span><span>There have been lessons in fortitude and resourcefulness but an even greater lesson in empathy and an even more important one in privilege that have been learnt. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>I've found myself obsessing over micro details whilst looking on helplessly at the bigger macro world. </span><span>I've been overwhelmed and humbled by the kindness and generosity of strangers and disappointed and even angered by the callousness of those I've known. I've amazed myself with my resilience in facing upto certain situations but the time in isolation has also meant confronting and acknowledging each of the uncomfortable vulnerabilities in my life. And despite, being able to connect to any part of the world through virtual technology, never has the inability to cross the shortest of physical distances rendered me more helpless and frustrated. And suddenly you realise that while the days have been long, weeks and months have just gone by!</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Lest you get me wrong, I am aware of all that I need to be grateful about. Most importantly, that I found myself at home with my mother and not stuck in limbo, on my own, somewhere out there in the world, in these uncertain times. It's been inexplicably heartening to have friends, many I haven't been in regular touch with, reach out and ask how I was doing. And the difficulties we've faced are those that nobody has been immune from. And yet, even as restrictions have eased and could that be light that we see at the end of the tunnel, I'll admit to feeling at times, uncertain and unmoored in a way that I haven't felt in a long time. Like I said patience is a virtue we've all had to cultivate!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNogU2wk7zguVX9svtY2oghE91f1c7zNk6u9iQDDuPUJejnI8aYjMQvoPFjYwoPC98UXlGNMO8R5c-aXbEqx4vKs5jKUzX41ClXvyqc8fOWnSTvfMTUCs0v4eJExqMge4IoknHog2bPr3H/s750/Picture1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNogU2wk7zguVX9svtY2oghE91f1c7zNk6u9iQDDuPUJejnI8aYjMQvoPFjYwoPC98UXlGNMO8R5c-aXbEqx4vKs5jKUzX41ClXvyqc8fOWnSTvfMTUCs0v4eJExqMge4IoknHog2bPr3H/s16000/Picture1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And while the world was baking banana bread and experimenting with sourdough, these simple nankhatai were my little baking indulgence in the initial weeks of lockdown. Well, until my trusted hand mixer of more than two decades decided to give way. We can have a discussion another day on all our trusted appliances that decided that the lockdown was the perfect time to throw a tantrum!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>These nankhatai are from my much treasured <i><b><a href="https://www.amazon.in/Dishoom-Bombay-Love-Shamil-Thakrar/dp/1408890674" target="_blank">Dishoom</a></b></i> cookbook The cookbook is a love letter to south Bombay, one much after my heart and deserves a separate appreciation post one day. For now, let me tell you about these nankhatai. Extremely simple to make and can be made even without a hand mixer. They worked well with the rationing that we had to contend with in the initial few weeks of the lockdown. They are made with staples that every Indian kitchen will have. </span><span>I have another nankhatai recipe on the blog but this is a superior one with the addition of </span><i>besan</i><span> (chickpea flour). It improves the texture and makes it closer to the ones from the Irani bakeries. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>Not too sweet and crunchy enough to warrant a dip in a cup of chai, these nankhatai were a little </span><span>indulgence during some very uncertain days and for that I will always remember them with gratitude! <i>Give them a try yourself!</i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: helvetica;">-------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><p></p><p><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dishoom's Nankhatai</span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></p><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;" trbidi="on"><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Recipe source </b>: <a href="https://www.amazon.in/Dishoom-Bombay-Love-Shamil-Thakrar/dp/1408890674" target="_blank"><b><i>Dishoom </i></b>: <i>"From Bombay With Love" </i></a>by Shamil Thakrar, Kavi Thakrar and Naved Nasir </span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span><br /></span></span><span><span>Makes 15. <i>I've added volume measurements for those at home who don't have a weighing scale.</i></span><span><em><br /></em></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><strong><br /></strong></span></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><strong>Ingredients:</strong></span></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"></span></span></div><ul><span style="font-family: verdana;"><li class="ingredient"><div style="text-align: justify;">100 gms (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature</div></li><li class="ingredient"><div style="text-align: justify;">100 gms (1/2 cup) granulated sugar</div></li><li class="ingredient"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">60 gms (1/2 cup) plain flour/maida</span></div></li><li class="ingredient"><div style="text-align: justify;">60 gms (1/2 + 1/8 cup) chickpea flour/besan</div></li><li class="ingredient"><div style="text-align: justify;">60 gms (1/3 cup) fine semolina/suji </div></li><li class="ingredient"><div style="text-align: justify;">3/4 teaspoon soda bi-carb</div></li><li class="ingredient"><div style="text-align: justify;">20 gms pistachio nuts, to scatter on each cookie (optional)</div></li></span></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Directions:</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Pre-heat the oven to 190 deg C. Line a baking tray with parchment/butter paper.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Put the butter into a large bowl. Add the sugar and beat for 3 minutes, until light, smooth and creamy. <i>(Tip: If your sugar is made up of large granules as is common in India, it would help to pulse the sugar in a mixer so as to break down the granules. it helps while creaming the butter and sugar to achieve a smoother mixture faster)</i></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Add the plain flour, chickpea flour, semolina and bicarbonate of soda and mix to combine, bringing the mixture to form a dough. Don't overwork it.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Divide the dough roughly into 25gms balls. Place each ball on the lined baking sheet and flatten very slightly with a light press of your fingers. Scatter a few sunflower seeds/pistachio nuts on top of each one, pressing them in lightly.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bake for 18-20 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through cooking. The biscuits should be golden brown and cooked through.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Leave the biscuits on the tray for 10 minutes after baking to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.</span></li></ul></div>baker in disguisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03055149985884994250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642223551650393945.post-24167074287845607142018-07-30T16:26:00.001+05:302018-07-30T16:45:01.544+05:30Strawberry Kolaches<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's been so long! Not just on this blog but also since I baked a new recipe. I've hardly baked these past few months. The weather forbade it. And if I have baked or cooked something, it's always been a tried and tested recipe, preferably one with zilch chances of anything going wrong. And then this weekend, something changed. Must be the rains, I thought to myself to explain this change of heart. I love the rains, if you haven't already heard me shout it from the rooftops earlier. I'll get to that on another day but for now this weekend, I baked.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I wanted to bake something new, something that challenged me, that reminded me why I enjoy baking and why I have this blog in the first place. And no matter how many times I have baked bread, any recipe with yeast always has me second guessing myself. I am never sure of myself until I take the bread out of the oven, tap it on the bottom for that hollow sound, leave it to cool, have it tasted and get that an approving smile. Till that happens, I am not convinced that I can bake or for that matter that I can read a recipe straight. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMF56UbLz_6fTPjjY6xrYn5i5kko9pjdARNUmV3YEg1vWgUGAlAgLE7EiVwnHhixmsLPROjxG8Z2ORCRUp3g2fpFq7abiODDkPHzyDWCdN2EU8g8qzMCNnHkx8LZs690e0DSAc2DFrlSvQ/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMF56UbLz_6fTPjjY6xrYn5i5kko9pjdARNUmV3YEg1vWgUGAlAgLE7EiVwnHhixmsLPROjxG8Z2ORCRUp3g2fpFq7abiODDkPHzyDWCdN2EU8g8qzMCNnHkx8LZs690e0DSAc2DFrlSvQ/s1600/Picture1.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The recipe for these kolaches have been bookmarked for years. Yes, procrastination is my vice. These buns are of Czech origin and with my weakness for exotic sounding recipes, they fit the brief completely </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">with a recipe that had all the ingredients for a long, rainy day baking session.</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> The buns are made from a milk-butter-egg yeasted dough which then holds some kind of fruit filling in the centre. I had seen these years back on Barbara's </span><a href="https://www.barbarabakes.com/holiday-hangout-kolaches/" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;" target="_blank"><i>blog</i></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> and liked her idea of knotting the buns for effect. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HzuIz91iVmEFpZr13yg0GJY6OkhcPDmrpDWmQ9NTFEdXqJaCqD9Kel-pOT0xufWOf2HrXCHZSKI6ofN0ZOc-od9pDnfb07zLmnpQXkp_P8ydhuo0Pz810lR_kjbIqp9h90ASnqaXfjXC/s1600/Picture2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HzuIz91iVmEFpZr13yg0GJY6OkhcPDmrpDWmQ9NTFEdXqJaCqD9Kel-pOT0xufWOf2HrXCHZSKI6ofN0ZOc-od9pDnfb07zLmnpQXkp_P8ydhuo0Pz810lR_kjbIqp9h90ASnqaXfjXC/s1600/Picture2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The recipe behaved as it should and Barbara's step-by-step pictorial on her blog were super helpful. The buns came out soft and golden hued with the scent of orange to round them off. I used a strawberry filling but use any fruit jam/preserve that you have at home. In hindsight, I should have knotted them tighter (they came a bit loose while baking) and maybe, should have made them a bit smaller. This is a rich dough and these buns were a bit on the bigger side, so, even one was quite a bit to get through. A smaller bun would I guess even have a better jam to bread ratio. But, these are small tweaks, washed down with a cup of coffee, these were perfect!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And, it was a rewarding baking session. I had forgotten the thrill of baking a new recipe. I was on such a roll that day, I even baked a batch of cookies while the dough was proving. Hopefully, with these kolaches having restored my faith in my ability again, maybe I could get this blog back on track.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQetoDyy7YYhuXZzf6vB6pxE614Ed3cTPI98FYRYk1ueic_R1SUb5lRFPWChiPzkOxa4kRdE827vNoIpnN7tWPy57rQaHG0NJPSMJihuovF6lFxafQPueQmVTBaILo5vhyphenhyphenghFZJL-guJT/s1600/Picture3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQetoDyy7YYhuXZzf6vB6pxE614Ed3cTPI98FYRYk1ueic_R1SUb5lRFPWChiPzkOxa4kRdE827vNoIpnN7tWPy57rQaHG0NJPSMJihuovF6lFxafQPueQmVTBaILo5vhyphenhyphenghFZJL-guJT/s1600/Picture3.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My mother, of course, alternated between being bemused and perplexed by this sudden burst of activity by me in the kitchen. She wisely surmised, it must be the rains. I think she knows me well!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">-----------------------------------------------------------------------</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Strawberry Kolaches</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><b>Recipe source </b>: Minimally adapted from Barbara Bakes' <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.barbarabakes.com/blackberry-and-cherry-kolaches/" target="_blank">recipe</a>. </i><i>I urge you to visit Barbara's blog to see how she shapes these buns with step-by-step pictures.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Makes 4-6 <em>(depends on how big you shape the kolaches) . I have halved Barbara's recipe, so, for the full recipe, click on this <a href="https://www.barbarabakes.com/blackberry-and-cherry-kolaches/" target="_blank"><b>link</b></a></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><em><br /></em></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><strong><br /></strong></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><strong>Ingredients:</strong></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
<li class="ingredient"><div style="text-align: justify;">
1 3/4 cup all purpose flour</div>
</li>
<li class="ingredient"><div style="text-align: justify;">
1 1/8 teaspoons rapid rise (instant) yeast (1/2 sachet)</div>
</li>
<li class="ingredient"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/4 + 1/8 cup milk, room temperature</span></div>
</li>
<li class="ingredient"><div style="text-align: justify;">
1/8 cup unsalted butter</div>
</li>
<li class="ingredient"><div style="text-align: justify;">
1/8 cup granulated sugar</div>
</li>
<li class="ingredient"><div style="text-align: justify;">
1/2 teaspoon salt</div>
</li>
<li class="ingredient"><div style="text-align: justify;">
1/8 cup fresh orange juice, room temperature</div>
</li>
<li class="ingredient"><div style="text-align: justify;">
1 egg, room temperature <i>(lightly whisk the egg, use half in the recipe and half as an egg wash)</i></div>
</li>
<li class="ingredient"><div style="text-align: justify;">
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract</div>
</li>
<li class="ingredient"><div style="text-align: justify;">
zest of one orange</div>
</li>
<li class="ingredient"><div style="text-align: justify;">
5-6 tablespoons fruit filling (homemade or canned like a preserve or jam even)</div>
</li>
</span></ul>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><strong>Directions:</strong></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5150; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Mix 1 1/2 cup flour and yeast in stand mixer fitted with a beater blade. <i>(You can alternately use a bowl with a hand mixer if you don't have a stand mixer like me) </i></span></span></div>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5150; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-style: normal;">Heat milk and butter until butter melts and mixture is warm </span>(54 deg C/130 deg F, where you can comfortably dip your finger with it getting burnt)<span style="font-style: normal;">. Add sugar and salt, stir until dissolved.</span></i></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5150; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-style: normal;">Add liquid mixture to flour mixture. Add orange juice, 1/2 egg, vanilla, and orange zest and beat at low speed until well combined.</span></i></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5150; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-style: normal;">Switch to the dough hook, on speed 2 gradually add the remaining flour - 1/4 cup (add more or less as necessary) until dough clings to the hook and almost cleans the sides. Knead until smooth about 8 minutes, but still slightly sticky. </span>(You can knead by hand but it will take more time). </i></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5150; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-style: normal;">Shape into a ball. Place in greased bowl, turn. Cover, let rise until double approximately 60–90 minutes.</span></i></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5150; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-style: normal;">Punch down, let rest 10 minutes, divide dough in to 4-6 pieces and shape into desired shapes </span>(Head to Barbara's blog to see how)<span style="font-style: normal;">. Keep dough covered with a damp cloth while shaping rolls.</span></i></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5150; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-style: normal;">Cover. Let rise until double (30 – 45 minutes).</span></i></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5150; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "proxima_nova" , "arial" , "helvetica" , "geneva" , sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 200 deg C/400 deg F</span></span></i></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5150; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-style: normal;">After second rising, make an indention in the center of the rolls with the end of a wooden spoon. (Be careful not to flatten it too much or poke a hole through the dough.) Fill with approximately one tablespoon of fruit filling.</span></i></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5150; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-style: normal;">Optional: Lightly brush the rolls with an egg wash with the remaining half of the whisked egg. It gives the rolls a beautiful colour.</span></i></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5150; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-style: normal;">Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown.</span></i></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5150; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Note:</b> If you wish them to make them for breakfast, you would have to wake up very early to allow for 2 rises of the dough. Instead, do what I did. After the first rise, punch down the dough and then go onto shape them into their desired shapes. Put the buns on a baking tray, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and put them in the fridge overnight. The next morning, take them out of the fridge and let them rise for the second rise. This will take longer than the time mentioned as the buns will first come to room temperature and then rise, say double the time. Once risen and proved for the second time, proceed as usual to bake them. </span></i></span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
baker in disguisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03055149985884994250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642223551650393945.post-54691725940962666892018-05-21T12:27:00.003+05:302018-05-21T12:27:49.207+05:30Fresh Mint and Dark Chocolate Chip No-Churn Ice Cream<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am not sure I can explain why it is that every Summer, almost as a rule, I reach out to my stash of Ruskin Bond books. Is it because he reveals the deepest insights of life in the simplest words, laced with humour and with such clarity that it stands in stark contrast to the cacophony of complex, confusing narratives that are thrown at us every day. Is it because he revels in life's simple pleasures with an innocence not found easily in a cynical and jaded world. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Is it because he writes with such deep adoration about his home, the mountains, that one place I yearn to be any time of the year but more so in the Summers. I can't say why but all I do know is that every year while Summer rages outside with a blinding Sun that sucks the life out of everything it sets its eyes on, I soothe my restless mind and agitated soul with his words. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And it could be any of his books, even the ones I pick up from the children's section of the book store. But, if I had to make a choice, it would be the ones where he writes about Nature, especially the ecosystem in the mountains. He introduces you to the whistling thrush outside his bedroom window while telling you about the ivy plant that has covered most of his bedroom wall. He revels in each season with a special mention of the singing cicadas in the rain. He enjoys the simplicity of the cosmos flower whilst failing to understand why people including his terrified postman are scared of the 'harmless' snakes. He despairs when old trees make way for new roads but will also tell you of the giant walnut tree laden with fruit that he never gets his hands on even as the mystery thief is revealed to be a grandmother, nimbly climbing trees at the young age of 75. For he writes, <i>'to the victor, the spoils'. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9O1iENkIWdhdwlZmuIj_JKkn1VGkwEIH-uHtWPjuguToGueRD6uVYdGbql-C8DkpZR3sC_0Yff4vSY2pZST1MZcFRwzcZHmCKxjDFkpDsVYHfZXx8MzmS9TG-xpg129mNuH6Wcjnpa9e4/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9O1iENkIWdhdwlZmuIj_JKkn1VGkwEIH-uHtWPjuguToGueRD6uVYdGbql-C8DkpZR3sC_0Yff4vSY2pZST1MZcFRwzcZHmCKxjDFkpDsVYHfZXx8MzmS9TG-xpg129mNuH6Wcjnpa9e4/s1600/Picture1.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">He writes about the entire ecosystem with such empathy and sensitivity that you can't help but wonder that it is </span><i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">this</i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> that we lack as a society. Far too often, we look upon Nature as something <i>out there</i> when what we need to do is develop a bond with it, as an intergral part of our daily lives. Only then can we think of developing sustainable solutions to the problems that we have created and the consequences we are living with from choked Oceans to unbearable Summers to freak snow storms to flooded cities. As long as we view Nature as external to us, we live in denial. And as Amitav Ghosh writes, denial is the biggest threat to climate change. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">So, maybe we all need to read a lil bit of Ruskin Bond every now and then to remind ourselves that life needn't be that complicated. A bit like this ice cream I discovered over the past few days. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you know me a little, then you know there is no way you would find me willingly in the kitchen in this heat. But, I did take out 5 minutes for this ice cream. I found a recipe for fresh mint and cacao nibs ice cream in Yossy's <a href="http://www.apt2bbakingco.com/book/" target="_blank">book</a>, <i>'Sweeter Off The Vine'</i>. But that recipe used a traditional custard based ice cream recipe and needed an ice cream machine which I do not own. So, I decided to use the idea and try and experiment with my eggless no-churn ice cream recipe that I usually turn to in the Summer. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpi2_FGcoEpLywY6ZXL7fPv3TvRM2VgGTy91VK8jxKbxL9qqz708sI0XTHqQLX9TKjLBxIHmr0UYSbbjZdendHdt6_3B9fSj8Yj2FjuZuWK7auDygjGCLWMdR-PkewfeqQ8FQ1C54mMzKV/s1600/Picture2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpi2_FGcoEpLywY6ZXL7fPv3TvRM2VgGTy91VK8jxKbxL9qqz708sI0XTHqQLX9TKjLBxIHmr0UYSbbjZdendHdt6_3B9fSj8Yj2FjuZuWK7auDygjGCLWMdR-PkewfeqQ8FQ1C54mMzKV/s1600/Picture2.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">More than anything, I liked the idea of using fresh mint, the only herb that has managed to survive in this brutal heat. It's not as vibrant as it was in the Winter, a bit burnt around the edges and it needs to be watered a few times a day to stop it from completely wilting away. Sounds a bit like me these days. But, unlike me, it's still managed to maintain some of its freshness and flavour and I've been using it liberally in everything from salads to bakes to raitas to drinks and now, this ice cream. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">The trick lies in steeping the mint leaves in cream overnight. This infuses the cream with that bright, refreshing flavour that is mint. I did wonder if the flavour of the mint would hold up as my plant has dried up quite a bit but it did. And mixed in with chopped dark chocolate (I didn't have cacao nibs), it is a lovely ice-cream to round off a Summer's meal. Although I do think the grown-ups will enjoy the subtleties of this ice cream more than the kids or maybe the dark chocolate could be replaced by mild chocolate for them. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But, the champion of this ice cream is that fresh mint. So refreshing on the palate in a way that any artificial flavouring of mint can never aspire to. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DS0YPvU1HaJmifgQsAyS8iPBWjvDBLLgHJVuUQdVOocJbUFWzA-8-Lzye-MGEjh-QQnrx2-nk-qgJjxjMwSh1842-14s25JEVGFrJUiNfJYHjfIPy5u09usCq2v49K5Um6wEz56tm4HR/s1600/Picture3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DS0YPvU1HaJmifgQsAyS8iPBWjvDBLLgHJVuUQdVOocJbUFWzA-8-Lzye-MGEjh-QQnrx2-nk-qgJjxjMwSh1842-14s25JEVGFrJUiNfJYHjfIPy5u09usCq2v49K5Um6wEz56tm4HR/s1600/Picture3.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;">Ideally I'd like to write a rant about Summer. Instead I leave you with these words by the man himself, </span><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;">Live close to nature and your spirit will not be easily broken, for you learn something of patience and resilience. You will not grow restless, and you will never feel lonely.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;">"</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i></i></span></div>
<a name='more'></a>-----------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><strong>Fresh Mint and Dark Chocolate Chip No-Churn Ice-Cream</strong></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">serves 4 <em>(the recipe can be doubled)</em></span><br />
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><strong>Ingredients:</strong></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
<li class="ingredient"><div style="text-align: justify;">
200 gms condensed milk <em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(In India, one can use 'Nestle' or 'Amul Mithai Mate')</span></em></div>
</li>
<li class="ingredient"><div style="text-align: justify;">
200 mls double cream (<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">I use Amul cream and it works just fine!!</span></em>)</div>
</li>
<li class="ingredient"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped</span></div>
</li>
<li class="ingredient"><div style="text-align: justify;">
1/2 - 1 cup dark chocolate chips/chunks (I'd leave the amount to your discretion)</div>
</li>
</span></ul>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><strong>Directions:</strong></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Gently heat the cream in a saucepan over low heat. When the cream is warmed through (tiny bubbles appear around the edges), remove from the heat.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Pour the cream over the mint leaves placed in a glass bowl. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate overnight. The longer you steep the mint leaves in cream, the more prominent the mint flavour will be. I left mine for almost 15 hours. </span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">The next morning, strain the cream through a fine mesh sieve and press gently on the mint leaves to extract all of the liquid. Be thorough with this step.</span></div>
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: justify;">Add the condensed milk to the cream and whisk them together with a hand blender, for approximately two minutes, until the mixture feels lighter and fluffier.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: justify;">Add the chopped dark chocolate at the last minute to the mixture as you p</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">our this mixture into an air tight container and freeze, preferably overnight.</span></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Serve straight from the freezer.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
baker in disguisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03055149985884994250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642223551650393945.post-51554961855891423462018-02-26T17:25:00.000+05:302018-02-26T17:34:30.537+05:30Strawberry Thyme Semifreddo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It started two years ago. On a hot, sunny day, I happened to notice a little bird sitting atop a water tap, on the side of the building. The tap was shut and it wasn't as if any water was dripping from it and yet this birdie has its beak inside the tap, trying to access whatever little moisture it could get to. It made for stark imagery. Man and his unempathetic concrete jungle had not only taken away their natural habitat by cutting down most of the trees but hadn't even left them any watering holes to survive. For someone who doesn't deal too well with Summer's excruciating heat, I took it awfully personally. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The next morning, I stopped at the potter's and picked up a terracotta bowl that was filled with water and placed outside the kitchen. I know a lot of people do it but it was a first time for me. For the first few days, no one stopped by. And then, one fine day as I made my morning coffee, I peeked out to find this red whiskered bulbul, sitting on top of the bowl. It hopped on and off the bowl, looked around, dipped its beak into the water, once and then again and then flew off. The city dweller in me looked on transfixed. I may have put out the bowl of water for the birds but the joy was all mine.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidalSw_oKLkz5PQq0wymni2kWfhETMmVIp3Cl4E554aP98fxStQMSECJjXueWSYaQiIJrqZg9bj_LJ_tCfXzUXjnhR5k4iYjQ2yGgablcKRbbZxV8-qi8WKUDzWdSmfOOBwaYlCa7Je-0M/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidalSw_oKLkz5PQq0wymni2kWfhETMmVIp3Cl4E554aP98fxStQMSECJjXueWSYaQiIJrqZg9bj_LJ_tCfXzUXjnhR5k4iYjQ2yGgablcKRbbZxV8-qi8WKUDzWdSmfOOBwaYlCa7Je-0M/s1600/Picture1.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Not just the bulbul, a whole lot of different birds have stopped by, each with their unique birdsong, from the shrill to the musical. And they have a little order and schedule among themselves for when they stop by. And as the days get hotter, I've watched one of the bulbuls fluttering in the water, taking a little bath to cool off while the much bigger crow pheasant simply plonk itself into the water, whilst dislodging much of it. Some have gotten used to us, others, mostly the smaller ones, fly away at the smallest sound from us. And not just the birds, I've even seen the odd squirrel drop by for a drink.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And before you think it, no, I've not become a crazy bird lady but I will admit to a small pleasure in hearing the birds outside while we go about the mundane inside. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Usually once the rains arrive, they come by in lesser numbers and again pick up when the days get drier and hotter after the Winter. And that's usually my signal that Summer has arrived. And I got that signal last week.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHondCgh5U7Lc2lEm-4ezQoWAqHZ-kXmyr2gp6GSFGe5_f6zArJ9x0gleooPgIjTawvqN_OvcYytweGY6oQt6_O4vMXywchijt2xuFOcujtQGArZXNs56_Ad7xIEYaJmQCTjaR5w4Qpz2/s1600/Picture3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHondCgh5U7Lc2lEm-4ezQoWAqHZ-kXmyr2gp6GSFGe5_f6zArJ9x0gleooPgIjTawvqN_OvcYytweGY6oQt6_O4vMXywchijt2xuFOcujtQGArZXNs56_Ad7xIEYaJmQCTjaR5w4Qpz2/s1600/Picture3.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you know me a little, you know I'd love to launch into a rant about it but I'll leave that for another day because we all know there's a long, hot Summer ahead and I'll have my say one day. Instead, I made a strawberry thyme semifreddo over the weekend. The absolute last of the strawberries are in the market and this Winter, I had success with growing thyme, so this semifreddo recipe from Samantha Seneviratne's book seemed just the thing to ease the misery of Summer that seems to arrive earlier each year. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The addition of thyme adds a herby touch when you encounter it but in no way does it overwhelm. If you don't want to use thyme, mint would be a excellent substitute. The addition of herbs gives a tiny savoury note to the dessert, a trend that is increasingly popular these days. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw722ZaESK-05an80oXadBdVNTECqaigHwdqA63WFM7P-KrsYv1hlM7s6lcMkPDJTL46AA0Lqu1VUIj5LK_j13OigT0VuEFJN2ig1wQZMeKOtGi6icdxRAlOOa97SsearghXCxej3A5U_f/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw722ZaESK-05an80oXadBdVNTECqaigHwdqA63WFM7P-KrsYv1hlM7s6lcMkPDJTL46AA0Lqu1VUIj5LK_j13OigT0VuEFJN2ig1wQZMeKOtGi6icdxRAlOOa97SsearghXCxej3A5U_f/s1600/Picture2.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A slice of the semifreddo served with some fresh strawberries is a celebration of the fruit and a beautiful, fresh and not overly sweet way to round off a meal. My suggestion of a drizzle of some pure, raw honey on top of it all is a lovely touch that you might like to try.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As for you, do think of putting out a bowl of water for the birdies this Summer, a terracotta one preferably, as that will keep the water cool. As Ruskin Bond puts it charmingly as only he can, <i>"</i></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><i>Don't drive those sparrows out of your veranda; they won't hack into your computer." </i></span> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </i><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Strawberry Thyme Semifreddo</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Recipe</i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-style: italic;"> courtesy </span><i>: Samantha Seneviratne '<a href="https://www.amazon.in/New-Sugar-Spice-Recipe-Bolder/dp/1607747464" target="_blank">The New Sugar and Spice</a>'</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Serves 8.</b> This recipe is easily halved, in which case one should use a smaller loaf tin and it would serve 3-4 persons. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/2 cup and 1 tablespoon sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4 sprigs thyme plus 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme <i>(Mint would be a good substitute)</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">pinch of salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4 egg yolks</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 1/4 cup heavy cream</span></li>
</ul>
<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Directions:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In a medium saucepan, combine 3 cups of strawberries, 1/4 cup of sugar, 4 sprigs of thyme, the vanilla bean and salt.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Cook the mixture over medium heat just until the strawberries begin to soften slightly, about 4 minutes.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Remove from the heat and let to cool to room temperature.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Remove the thyme sprigs and vanilla bean and process the strawberry mixture in a food processor until somewhat smooth. Stir in the chopped thyme. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In a large bowl over a pot of very barely simmering water, whisk together the egg yolks, a teaspoon of vanilla extract and the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar. Make sure the bottom of the bowl isn't touching the water. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Using an electric mixer or with a large whisk, still with the bowl over the simmering water, beat the yolk mixture until pale yellow, thick and double in volume, about 5 minutes. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Remove from the heat and beat the yolk mixture another minute, then fold in the strawberry mixture.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Beat the cream to medium stiff peaks. Fold the cream into the strawberry mixture. Pour the strawberry mixture into a loaf pan lines with plastic wrap over the top to cover completely. Freeze until firm, at least 6 hours or preferably, overnight.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When ready to serve, toss the remaining one cup of strawberries with the remaining tablespoon of sugar or even honey.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Let the semifreddo stand at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. Unwrap and invert the semifreddo onto a serving plate, remove the plastic and top with the strawberries. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Cut the semifreddo into slices and serve. Store leftovers well wrapped in the freezer.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
baker in disguisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03055149985884994250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642223551650393945.post-32271917851333092922018-02-13T14:06:00.001+05:302018-02-13T16:55:28.055+05:30Lemon Butter Cake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Anyone out there who was also sucked into the craze that is colouring books for grown ups? Well, I for one was, when I first discovered them about two years back from an <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/30/business/media/grown-ups-get-out-their-crayons.html" target="_blank"><i>article</i></a> in the New York Times about this new activity that had everyone hooked. For someone, who had spent many of her childhood summer afternoons with a colouring book, it was a chance to be a child all over again. And of course, I might as well admit that it also gave me the stationary addict an excuse to indulge in a brand new set of 24 colour pencils. Oh, don't roll your eyes, I nearly bought the 96 pencil set if you must know! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As with all things that are a craze, the experts are not too far behind with their analysis. Turns out, our lives have become so simplified with technology that our hands have not much to do and our heads are too crammed with social media feeds. So, there is an increasing demand for activities where you need to work with your hands while your mind tunes out the world. So, it's not just colouring books that have taken off, but there's been increased interest in hobbies that would have been considered old-fashioned or even too slow a few years back like pottery, calligraphy, macrame and even Grandma's favourite past-time, knitting. As the<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/30/style/anxiety-crafts-pottery-embroidery.html" target="_blank"> <i>headline</i></a> runs, <i>'Pottery is the new Pilates and Macrame takes away the crazy'</i>. I must admit I do agree with the reasoning and I can see the appeal because those pottery classes are really calling out to me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1Zog9VBYcgQnbdJUSsacr4rl-ZnmodhjcJFUZ00kE_ZgeBVK7xCLJEKfH_KwvQEwS8p2jKHgEQbzq374tdg_dz6N07t_LyLWohggoVRbYorC-BGRFBQ5YcjcnqQ0EeLDey2LCpEZ2l6o/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1Zog9VBYcgQnbdJUSsacr4rl-ZnmodhjcJFUZ00kE_ZgeBVK7xCLJEKfH_KwvQEwS8p2jKHgEQbzq374tdg_dz6N07t_LyLWohggoVRbYorC-BGRFBQ5YcjcnqQ0EeLDey2LCpEZ2l6o/s1600/Picture1.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We are now discovering, our grandparents had life more sorted out on a lot of issues with a lot less fuss. No wonder, we are also being told we should also eat and cook like the way grandma did. So, I took that advice seriously and over the weekend I baked an old fashioned lemon butter cake whose recipe a sister-in-law had got from her friend, Helen, who probably got it from her mother or even grand mother. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It all started with me making a batch of lemon curd from the orange lime tree outside our home. The identity of those orange limes have been much debated but on last count, we have decided these as <i>Rangpur limes</i>. Well, we don't know what all we can use them for as they are quite sour but they are excellent to make a fragrant lemon curd, or should I say lime curd. And to use up the curd, I turned to this simple recipe that my sister had raved about. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's a simple enough butter cake that has a layer of lemon curd sandwiched in the middle of the batter. While piling on the batter into the tin, after three-fourths of the batter has been put in, layer it with lemon curd that you then top off with rest of the batter. So, the outside bakes into a lovely, golden brown crust with this lemony, moist, fragrant inside. I had topped it off with flaked almonds because I had a lot to finish off but it is entirely optional and a sprinkling of sugar will do just fine instead. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgcEOR3yXmuD-pVzcXqrPeONZcKR7APA9YqofMScT0cfuYd5uR3FxWk6uumpVQmDLZiOZZklf7Fn5wVeAX78hDf3CJkaks5TLoY_zSQgfuqCwo1SL3xs4hQVCnX8LqVO2vBMevFzNVuWF/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgcEOR3yXmuD-pVzcXqrPeONZcKR7APA9YqofMScT0cfuYd5uR3FxWk6uumpVQmDLZiOZZklf7Fn5wVeAX78hDf3CJkaks5TLoY_zSQgfuqCwo1SL3xs4hQVCnX8LqVO2vBMevFzNVuWF/s1600/Picture2.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This is a good, solid, homey cake that sings of all things lemony. The fragrant lemon quotient completely envelops and infuses your palate with all its delights and there is nothing subtle about it. Needless to say, you must enjoy the twang of citrus if you bake this cake. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>While I look around for pottery classes, has anybody picked up knitting needles lately?! </i>As for the aforementioned Helen whose recipe it is, I am told it's her birthday today. We've never met but Happy Birthday Helen and here's to a beautiful year ahead!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"></i><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </i><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Lemon Butter Cake</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Recipe</i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-style: italic;"> courtesy </span><i>: Helen Cogger</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Serves 4-6.</b> This recipe is easily doubled, in which case one should use a 8-inch spring form tin and it would serve 6-8 persons. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 cups all purpose flour, plus more for dusting the pan</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1.5 teaspoons baking powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/2 cup castor sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">50 gms butter, chopped </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 eggs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3/4 cup lemon curd <i>(Recipe given below)</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">approx 1/2 cup flaked almonds to sprinkle on top (optional)</span></li>
</ul>
<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Directions:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Pre-heat the oven to 180 deg C/ 350 deg F. Butter and line a 6-inch spring-form cake tin.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In a medium bowl, sieve the baking powder and flour together.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Add the sugar and butter and mix till it resembles fine bread crumbs.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Beat the egg and pour into the mixture and mix till soft dough.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Press 3/4 of the dough into the cake tin.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Spread the lemon curd over the dough and crumble the remaining mix on top.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sprinkle the flaked almonds on top. If not using flaked almonds, sprinkle some sugar on top. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown. If your almonds are browning too fast, simply cover the tin with some aluminium foil loosely, until you are ready to remove from the oven.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Cool in the tin before turning out. Dust with icing sugar if you like. </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Lemon Curd </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Recipe</i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-style: italic;"> courtesy </span><i>: <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/lemon-curd-recipe-1941910">Ina Garten</a></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Ingredients:</b></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2 lemons</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3/4 cup sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/2 cup unsalted butter</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2 large eggs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/4 cup lemon juice (juice of 2-3 lemons)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">pinch of salt</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Directions:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Using a carrot peeler, remove the zest of 2 lemons, being careful to avoid the white pith. Put the zest in a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Add the sugar and pulse until the zest is very finely minced into the sugar.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Cream the butter and beat in the sugar mixture. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Add the egg, and then add the lemon juice and salt. Mix until combined. At this point, the mixture will look curdled. But don't worry it will sort itself out when you cook it.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Pour the mixture into a saucepan and cook over low heat until thickened (about 10 minutes), stirring constantly. The lemon curd will thicken at just below simmer. Remove from the heat and cool or refrigerate.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
baker in disguisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03055149985884994250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642223551650393945.post-65454607000762772932018-01-09T17:24:00.001+05:302018-01-10T16:43:26.926+05:30Black Pepper, Dark Chocolate and Strawberry Bread<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I like the smell of a New Year. I've said it before and I'll say it again. It smells of resolve, hope, starting over and optimism. Whatever the past year was, good, bad, indifferent, it's over. Clean the slate with the new year. Bold words you say, when we all know that only the very determined and disciplined take their new resolutions or rather, old resolutions with new resolve beyond the first fortnight of the New Year.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But, even then, I wish for all of us to read more books, less social media, exercise regularly, less procrastination, sleep well, laugh hard, travel to new places, open up to new experiences, get off the phone, let go of grudges, meet up more in person, eat healthy, live more simply and of course, every once in a while make time for some cake!</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytrgWm95Kvt4WeUS4A2Vfqd2w6QrxbEX2qKeiK3ymLd3OGNHtUpuGuMvcROHATUSr4118ZqYJRNnKDVbkJbs07Q5fwVC-5NdasMzGrts1CtnebncYRiF5fKb3cj0PG-79K2IvvI17mwNE/s1600/Picture2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytrgWm95Kvt4WeUS4A2Vfqd2w6QrxbEX2qKeiK3ymLd3OGNHtUpuGuMvcROHATUSr4118ZqYJRNnKDVbkJbs07Q5fwVC-5NdasMzGrts1CtnebncYRiF5fKb3cj0PG-79K2IvvI17mwNE/s1600/Picture2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So, that's what I did last weekend. I baked this black pepper, dark chocolate and strawberry bread. It is minimally adapted from Samantha Seneviratne's </span><a href="https://www.amazon.in/New-Sugar-Spice-Recipe-Bolder/dp/1607747464" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;" target="_blank"><i>book</i></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> that explores baking with spices. In her hearfelt and evocative introduction, she writes on how in this book she explores recipes that use just enough sugar as needed and then amps up the flavour profile with spices that she's been introduced to through her Sri Lankan heritage. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In this cake, she uses black pepper and I must say I was intrigued. Her cake uses dried red currants, I went with fresh strawberries, reminiscent of these<i> <a href="http://baker-in-disguise.blogspot.in/2012/01/dark-chocolate-and-strawberry-muffins.html" target="_blank">muffins</a> </i>I baked a long time ago. Straight out of the oven, I struggled to locate the pepper but once cooled down, it added this subtle, gentle hum to the background. Not overpowering at all but did its part in balancing the sweetness quotient of this cake, something that is much appreciated in this month. I used demerara sugar which accounts for the darker hue of the crumb of my cake but you can use regular sugar. And if you are baking this for kids, I recommend leaving out the black pepper.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2C00Py4jFexqaj02j_31WIDX-RT-twKkPngRWD14c-82gFHMMSS0hy30Z_Z-rOhRbkrzq7-ktZyam9cSxj-vs_shqen8VqsZK1uOmgxtvOMGtmabXzB4Iit7o-tFJ_I2_P7tiPzH2bTD/s1600/Picture3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2C00Py4jFexqaj02j_31WIDX-RT-twKkPngRWD14c-82gFHMMSS0hy30Z_Z-rOhRbkrzq7-ktZyam9cSxj-vs_shqen8VqsZK1uOmgxtvOMGtmabXzB4Iit7o-tFJ_I2_P7tiPzH2bTD/s1600/Picture3.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you've read this blog for some time, you know how much I adore cakes like these. Not overly sweet, fragrant, beautifully moist and tender, with the fruit in season and a simple twist that keeps things interesting. I think you'll enjoy it as much as we did!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Happy 2018 everybody! May it be all you desire and yet surprise you in only the best way possible! </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i></i></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<i style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ </i><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Black Pepper, Dark Chocolate and Strawberry Bread</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Recipe</i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-style: italic;"> courtesy </span><i>: Minimally adapted </i>f</b><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">rom Samantha Seneviratne's <i><a href="https://www.amazon.in/New-Sugar-Spice-Recipe-Bolder/dp/1607747464" target="_blank">'The New Sugar & Spice'</a></i></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Serves 8</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing the pan</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2 cups all purpose flour, plus more for dusting the pan</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1.5 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1.5 teaspoons baking powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon baking soda</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3/4 cup granulated sugar (I used demerara sugar)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2 large eggs, room temperature</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/2 cup yoghurt, at room temperature</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/4 cup whole milk, at room temperature</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3/4 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">About 1 cup semisweet chocolate, chopped</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sugar to sprinkle on top (optional)</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Directions:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Pre-heat the oven to 180 deg C/ 350 deg F. Butter and flour a 4.5 by 8.5-inch loaf pan.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, pepper, baking powder, baking soda and salt.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar on a medium speed until pale and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Beat in the eggs one at a time, scraping down the bowl between additions, and the vanilla.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Add half of the flour mixture and beat on low speed until just barely combined.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Add the yoghurt and the milk and beat briefly, then add the remaining flour mixture and beat until just combined. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Keep aside about 1 tablespoon each of the chopped strawberries and chocolate for the topping.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Fold in the remaining strawberries and chocolate into the batter.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sprinkle the chopped strawberries and chocolate along with some sugar on top.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Bake until golden brown and a thin skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter) attached, 50 to 60 minutes.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Let cool on a rack for 15 minutes, then flip the loaf out of the pan, turn it right side up and let it cool completely and serve.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
baker in disguisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03055149985884994250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642223551650393945.post-87052030720332630052017-10-30T18:12:00.001+05:302017-10-30T21:39:15.684+05:30Lemon Posset<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The weather's been behaving all funny. Just when you thought this monsoon was an under performing one, it came out with all guns blazing in it's last few weeks to shut everyone up. And then just when you thought you could look forward to cooler days, it's been like Summer redux and you know that doesn't make me happy at all.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But, the markets promise me otherwise. The greens (spinach, dill, fenugreek, mustard) are back after a hiatus all monsoon. Green garlic has made it's appearance alongside the spring onions. Sweet, fat radishes with a undertone of heat have come, soon to be followed by deep pink carrots that will replace the pale orange ones that you usually find. A mound of bright red fresh chillies sit alongside a pile of sweet potatoes. The peas have arrived but I'm told I must wait a little while longer when they will flood the market with peas so sweet that you will eat them straight from the pod. Knobbly fresh turmeric will soon appear along with the deeper hued ginger. And of course, those tiny, green limes have given way to the more, robust yellow lemons. So, yes, the markets are beginning to sing and that could only mean cooler days will come.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Cooler days, of course mean I usually spend or mean to spend more time in the kitchen. But, until then I have discovered a charming little dessert to make with those lemons that have made their way to the market. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbTctB2leomNwxNBfrZZUC-NEWKKpnTPvVVEyTx3W2AvQBKxZEzpKEpER_SYBEAzLaT90OlHpAeoIhoa08rl1i8uHspzAh7SA_QcITFV0cRLObmXNT0VRQpQtUEOTqoR6tiTK42G1bYKK/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbTctB2leomNwxNBfrZZUC-NEWKKpnTPvVVEyTx3W2AvQBKxZEzpKEpER_SYBEAzLaT90OlHpAeoIhoa08rl1i8uHspzAh7SA_QcITFV0cRLObmXNT0VRQpQtUEOTqoR6tiTK42G1bYKK/s1600/Picture1.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Possets were an ancient English drink made from curdling milk with alcohol that is having a big comeback today as a quaint, dainty dessert. Don't worry there's no curdled milk involved in it's new avatar. It is simply a dessert made from heating cream with sugar and then stirring in some fresh lemon juice. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'll admit when I first read Nigel Slater's recipe, it felt a bit counter-intuitive. Everything I know about cooking and admittedly that's not much, told me that introducing lemon juice to hot cream will cause it to split. But, then every recipe that I found on the Internet followed the same technique. I guess, something about heating the cream with the sugar must alter it in some way so that the lemon juice does not bother it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Anyhow, this took me all of ten minutes right from locating the lemon to pouring this dessert into small glasses. It is such a simple dessert but it is just so lovely and delicate and quaint and charming, yes charming. The texture is that of set cream that you can cut through and flavour is all lemony and beautiful. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pBF2mpkzmTMailU6_7zGzs_yvs3Yes2sr7lzNTeeeq7ShwktstF-BzzhpuuBiwFdJuiz-HkPcX-NhXIa9BGdLlpb5VZlfw6KPxL5HGRdpvgWudsLXUDD65_zb-hOprf6s_B8j9QR_Xsq/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pBF2mpkzmTMailU6_7zGzs_yvs3Yes2sr7lzNTeeeq7ShwktstF-BzzhpuuBiwFdJuiz-HkPcX-NhXIa9BGdLlpb5VZlfw6KPxL5HGRdpvgWudsLXUDD65_zb-hOprf6s_B8j9QR_Xsq/s1600/Picture2.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Of course, this dessert must be served chilled. It's all cream so a little is all you need. Nigel serves his with some raspberries. I served mine with some pomegranate to introduce some freshness but the beauty of this dessert is in what Slater calls <i>'unadorned simplicity'</i>, serving just as it is, without any embellishments. Not overly sweet but lemony enough to freshen your palate after a heavy meal. It was unexpected how something so simple and so little of was all you need to finish things off. It takes so little of you to make that you must give it a try. You will be as a pleasantly surprised as I.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Today morning felt cooler than days before and I can't wait for our tropical Winter. <i>Anyone else looking out for cooler days..aren't we all though?!!?</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ </i><b><i><br /></i></b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Lemon Posset</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Recipe<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> courtesy </span>: </b></i><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">From Nigel Slater's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ripe-Cook-Orchard-Nigel-Slater/dp/1607743329" target="_blank"><i>Ripe</i></a>, mildly adapted</span></b><i><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></b></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Serves 4 small glasses</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">200 mls heavy cream (I used Amul's 200 mls cream pack)</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/4 cup + 1/8 cup superfine sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3 tablespoons lemon juice</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Directions:</b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Put the cream and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Reduce the heat so that the mixture doesn't boil over and let it bubble enthusiastically for about 3 minutes, stirring regularly.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Remove from the heat, stir in the lemon juice and leave to settle. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Pour into four small glasses equally and leave to cool. Refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
baker in disguisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03055149985884994250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642223551650393945.post-30173581293571781842017-10-27T18:48:00.003+05:302017-10-27T21:31:38.719+05:30Mava Cakes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The funny thing about a city you've grown up in is that while your eyes take in all that is changing in the city, your heart always looks out for all that was. And while change remains the only constant in life, you can't help feel that odd twinge when facades change, people move out and institutions close down. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And over the past few years, Irani cafes and bakeries, the quintessential Bombay institution, look vulnerable to the relentless march of time that we've all learned, waits for no one. Whilst a few of these family run enterprises bravely continue till date, a large number of them have shut shop, taking with them a time of this city that will never come back. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Step into any of the surviving Irani cafes and it is to enter a place that has somehow defied time with its trademark black, bent chairs and tables covered with red checkered cloth, rows of glass jars filled with goodies, that no-nonsense instruction board and of course, that heady aroma of fresh baking that calls out to every passerby. But, to enter these places was also a chance to meet the everyday Mumbaikar, who go about their daily grind relentlessly with a spirit that makes the soul of this city.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EcAUeDKJrIeAsQoAHqVjIoeYz08KJqNuw-MGNc0f8h8yH3wxroYWGXEyuZVJZYVvxPDAHGnOqxE2eSjpfGoodGzkhrTZt_lBPm1iBUWDB5a3c7kFPz16YuBZHTvDJ0SwvYpRNj38FHrm/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EcAUeDKJrIeAsQoAHqVjIoeYz08KJqNuw-MGNc0f8h8yH3wxroYWGXEyuZVJZYVvxPDAHGnOqxE2eSjpfGoodGzkhrTZt_lBPm1iBUWDB5a3c7kFPz16YuBZHTvDJ0SwvYpRNj38FHrm/s1600/Picture1.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like the couple sitting in the corner snatching a few moments alone in a city where privacy comes with the highest premium. Or those two old men whose conversation alternates between reminiscing about the good ole days and discussing the latest neighbourhood gossip. The young man sitting alone while he contemplates on how this city that promises to fulfil all your dreams takes an awfully lot from you before it even allows you a whiff of those dreams. The group of middle aged men stepping in for a mid-work break while they discuss the inevitable travails of life. Or simply the mother stopping by the bakery shelves to pick up some much cherished after-school treats from a place that has not only withstood time but also inflation to a large extent. Much like the maximum city, there's always place for everyone and maybe that's why they have endured for so long in a city whose character is constantly being reshaped by the people who live in it. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I think we all have an enduring Irani cafe memory. It could be bun-maska and omelette or a plate of berry pulao or one of those biscuits from those glass jars be it the sweet nankhatai or the savoury, flaky khari biscuits or vegetable puffs or mutton samosas or my personal favourite, mava cakes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Much before fancy bakeries opened shop, there were Irani bakeries and their signature madeira cakes and mava cakes. Mava cakes for the uninitiated are these small, crazy sweet, no frills, dense, buttery cakes that could be found either in a slab form or as I remember them, in these plain white cupcake liners topped off with half a cashew. This is your familiar butter cake <i>desi-fied</i> with mava and cardamom to superlative effect. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayBTlwF0crtWtbOEanihbB3PxDvDTLBJS3MAmpr41lPP3WJ1BNxEGrvLR2lW5XnNH4wHa9DHHUiRHsu8f3ZRklXQ-IVycYh3QNQrc-nNSp2bcVRT5EyiKcqkDySyVsARSW3aMyTIkd-Tr/s1600/Picture2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayBTlwF0crtWtbOEanihbB3PxDvDTLBJS3MAmpr41lPP3WJ1BNxEGrvLR2lW5XnNH4wHa9DHHUiRHsu8f3ZRklXQ-IVycYh3QNQrc-nNSp2bcVRT5EyiKcqkDySyVsARSW3aMyTIkd-Tr/s1600/Picture2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Over Diwali, I had access to some freshly prepared mava (which is a kind of evaporated milk solid and is a key ingredient in many Indian, traditional sweets) and decided to have a go at making them at home. The recipe is thanks to a well connected blogger network. I first saw the recipe on Helen's beautiful blog, <i><a href="http://www.tarteletteblog.com/" target="_blank">Tartelette</a></i> who incidentally got it from Bina, a dear friend who I've gotten to know through her generous and lovely blog, '<i><a href="http://www.abitwholesomely.com/" target="_blank">A Bit Wholesomely</a></i>'. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The recipe was easy and worked a charm. Although take a tip from me and bake them in cupcake liners because hot out of the oven, they are incredibly soft and can be a bit fiddly to take out. Liners were my original plan till I realised I didn't have any at home.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And this is one cake where you want them to completely cool down before you bite into them. Warm out of the oven, they were very moist and soft and seemed a tad too sweet to my present palate. I wondered if these matched what I remembered of my childhood mava cakes. But, then I let them cool completely and it was everything I wanted from my mava cakes. Cooled down, the mava had given them that characteristic denseness and richness that you expect from these cakes along with that fragrant hit of cardamom that hits all the right spots in the memory bank. Although, when I make these again, I will reduce the sugar a tad bit even if Ma said it was just fine. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qEHSr_kl-P9C4VDacHLAeLwbEkwnxeKrd65ZEVp-s70CMjw8M-zjr9cWAFXQiOtxlUD56lgSxWQWpsQPOkoRCD3B9odecJuAgtX5qCCU06L_QJiz8sZJp0VQSGJMG1F5mZfooAMHo_hj/s1600/Picture3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qEHSr_kl-P9C4VDacHLAeLwbEkwnxeKrd65ZEVp-s70CMjw8M-zjr9cWAFXQiOtxlUD56lgSxWQWpsQPOkoRCD3B9odecJuAgtX5qCCU06L_QJiz8sZJp0VQSGJMG1F5mZfooAMHo_hj/s1600/Picture3.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Oh Bombay, you inspire and you disappoint, you demand and you bestow, you anger and you exhilarate and you do it all in your unique, mad, brutal, chaotic and beautiful way that somehow continues to cast it's spell, despite the ravages of time and man. </span></i> </div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Mawa Cakes</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Makes 10-12 mawa cakes, depending on the size of your muffin tins/cupcake liners</i><b><br /></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 1/4 cups all purpose flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon baking powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/4 teaspoon cardamom</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">pinch of salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/2 cup grated mava**, room temperature (I used shop bought)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 cup sugar*</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2 eggs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">6 tablespoons milk</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">cashew halves for topping each mava cake, optional but recommended</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Directions: </b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Preheat the oven to 180 deg C. Line the muffin tins with liners. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="fullpost">In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking
powder, cardamom and salt. Reserve.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="fullpost">In a stand mixer fitted with the
paddle attachment (or with hand held beaters), beat together the mava,
butter and sugar at medium speed until light and fluffy.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="fullpost">Turn the speed
to low and add the eggs, one at a time and beating well after each
addition. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="fullpost">Still with the motor running on low, add the reserved flour
mixture and the milk. Turn the speed back up to medium and beat until
the mixture is smooth. Divide evenly among the prepared muffin cases, top
each with a cashew half if using and bake for 20-25 minutes, until a skewer comes clean and the top is springy to touch.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="fullpost">Transfer the mava cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="fullpost">*If you would like your mava cakes on the less sweeter side, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="fullpost">** I was lucky to buy fresh mava from a local store that makes it for Diwali, else it is quite difficult to find. Ask around at your local dairy or mithai shop or you can have a look at these recipes <a href="http://www.abitwholesomely.com/2015/04/nankhatai-biskoot.html" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://www.spiceupthecurry.com/instant-khoya-mawa-recipe/" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.spiceupthecurry.com/khoya-recipe-homemade-mawa/" target="_blank">here</a>, if you want to give it a go to make it at home. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="fullpost"></span></span><br />
<div>
</div>
</div>
baker in disguisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03055149985884994250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642223551650393945.post-3587113638125742372017-09-30T16:00:00.001+05:302017-10-30T16:17:33.062+05:30Sooji Halwa<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It starts around the time we celebrate Raksha Bandhan when serendipitously the marigolds also arrive in the markets. And then every few days, a community is celebrating something in some corner of India. From Teej to Pateti to Janmashtami to Ganpati to Eid to Nuakhai to Onam to Navratri and so many more and it will go on till Diwali and beyond. And Indian food on social media simply explodes. Apart from the rituals, food is the mainstay of all our festivals and social media, for all its drawbacks, does a brilliant job at capturing the sheer diversity of it all. It takes you right into people's homes and kitchens and see for yourself the extensive preparations that is undertaken on such days.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As expected, most of the food cooked during these days is mostly done by the women and they simply outdo themselves. The effort and care taken to prepare these dishes is extensive and for someone like yours truly who enters the kitchen occasionally, it is even more impressive when you think of the other responsibilities and jobs they have to attend to whilst preparing the feasts that would make our grandmothers proud. And social media does its job in documenting it all. Little wonder that I have seen the '#vratkakhana' everywhere these past nine days, something I don't think anyone would have imagined a few years back.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTGN3GUxOq6_Z0qK9gbud_xcBqWdrk556Ak6qlJ-WSdBncjp_9k-Qq02E28Lnjqux6vaIhbJhqUOEsh8gQnctx5_yzgWpGnXLbpKiKbcw9u1kXLxHAdibao2-ZRjHUlqH5BuDO5RhpRiX/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTGN3GUxOq6_Z0qK9gbud_xcBqWdrk556Ak6qlJ-WSdBncjp_9k-Qq02E28Lnjqux6vaIhbJhqUOEsh8gQnctx5_yzgWpGnXLbpKiKbcw9u1kXLxHAdibao2-ZRjHUlqH5BuDO5RhpRiX/s1600/Picture1.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You know me better than to expect anything too elaborate here. But, I did make some sooji ka halwa, one of the easiest things to make. Some of us might even have memories of it as an after school snack or a weekend breakfast.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There is not much that goes into it - semolina, ghee, water and sugar. Some make it with milk but my mother always makes it with water and so did I. It all about a whole of stirring for about 15-20 minutes and you're done. It has been embellished with some raisins, cashew nuts and cardamom. It is simple, warm, festive, pure and comforting all at once.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdF9pviqp0zhT0_yNiYaWLyxcsE85EgE-_AIxDLsr0Nj0hNcnXLz-p9m8wYjJ5nTgXZ00Lv91qt1rXZ-P1exZNMutVWuVr-Qaup4PEDFlGEmm1rFiv5A1SfwdVs4bfq_X9VGN2D0lqzE9G/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdF9pviqp0zhT0_yNiYaWLyxcsE85EgE-_AIxDLsr0Nj0hNcnXLz-p9m8wYjJ5nTgXZ00Lv91qt1rXZ-P1exZNMutVWuVr-Qaup4PEDFlGEmm1rFiv5A1SfwdVs4bfq_X9VGN2D0lqzE9G/s1600/Picture2.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Happy Dasera everyone. May you emerge victorious against all the odds, challenges and obstacles that life throws your way. With love and happiness, from our home to yours..x!</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i></i></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ </i><b><i><br /></i></b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sooji Halwa</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Recipe<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> courtesy </span>: <a href="https://www.tarladalal.com/Rava-Sheera-Sooji-Ka-Halwa-How-To-Make-Sooji-Halwa-33448r" target="_blank">Tarla Dalal</a></b><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Serves 4-6.</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/2 cup suji/semolina</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/4 cup ghee</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/3 cup sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1.5 cup water</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 tablespoon cashew nuts, chopped roughly</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 tablespoon raisins </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 teaspoon cardamom powder</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Directions:</b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In a saucepan, heat the water and sugar until the sugar dissolves and keep aside to use later.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Heat the ghee in a broad pan and add the semolina. Saute on a slow flame for 6-8 minutes, while stirring continuously until the semolina turns light brown.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Add the sugar water to the semolina, mix well and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Add the raisins and cashew nuts and mix well. Cook on a slow flame for 5-7 minutes, stirring continuously.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Add the cardamom powder and mix well and cook on a medium flame for a minute.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Serve immediately garnished with some of the cashew nuts and raisins.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
baker in disguisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03055149985884994250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642223551650393945.post-5816794108834809642017-09-21T18:41:00.000+05:302017-09-21T18:41:01.680+05:30Chocolate Babka / Orange And Chocolate Bread Pudding<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ever so often the food blogging world gets swept away by a certain trend or dish and everywhere you look, be it blog or on social media, you will find the aforementioned dish. When I first started blogging it was all about cupcakes and macarons. And over the years, everything from avacado on toast to smoothie bowls to I have lost count of all that has trended on the food blogging scene. And this is in addition to the annual calendar that is almost set in stone. January for clean eating and March for chocolate in time for Easter. Then there's berries for Summer and stone fruit for later and who can forget Pumpkin for October. And before you know it, it's pies for Thanksgiving and then all that Christmas baking in December before it starts all over again.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Now, if you know anything about this blog, despite my best attempts I have rarely been able to climb along with any trend. If you must know, the first year I put up my Christmas post in January. Little wonder then that my mother is the only dedicated reader of this blog. I'd like to proclaim that I'm above trends but the truth is somewhere between I don't have the requisite skills or I've just been lazy.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Anyhow, the point I'm leading to is that last year or was it the year before that, around this time of the year, babkas were all the rage. Everywhere I looked on blogs and social media, there would be a pic of this loaf of bread with a golden crust and all these chocolate swirls running through the loaf. I'm sure there are other babkas but all I saw were the chocolate ones. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib94cGH1nvl35Cgz-XHtCIQDZcSnPBNtyXixIhltpb5BOScZDHai9AK9q19ewNza0xitjVNczZYOgGXp8T8hXHs65bnWrSIT0kaJa8TlTV2EXEx0M2lVFe7Pg_Sqc3METJJP68DK7c0xI6/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib94cGH1nvl35Cgz-XHtCIQDZcSnPBNtyXixIhltpb5BOScZDHai9AK9q19ewNza0xitjVNczZYOgGXp8T8hXHs65bnWrSIT0kaJa8TlTV2EXEx0M2lVFe7Pg_Sqc3METJJP68DK7c0xI6/s1600/Picture1.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So, I read up on them and it was everything I liked. An egg and milk sweetened yeast dough that is then filled with a chocolate and nut filling and then rolled and twisted and baked to perfection. How could I not want to bake it. So, I chose the easiest recipe I could find and just about a year on, I finally mustered up the courage and baked one this weekend.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And it was everything it promised despite all my slip ups. I baked it in a tin smaller than the one specified so the top poofed up quite a bit during proving and something about the way I spread the filling, one half of the loaf had more filling than the other half. <i>Ah well!</i> And it took a whole day to prep and bake and I don't have a stand mixer so had to do most of the kneading by hand and let's not forget all those calories in every bite. But, notwithstanding all my dodgy photographs, it was all worth it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The bread was soft and flavourful and that filling of chocolate and almond was equal proportion of texture and sin. Like I said this bread is not for the calorie conscious but live a little and bake this bread. You will not regret it. The recipe is Yossy Arefi's on Food52 and simple one to follow. I have given a recipe link below which comes with pictures to make life even simpler. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6bbq4AaN-GunwzHo9CFTFdUm8c-nSXMsN1iPwSQNAvzwXYXmQcbyLPu-J7mqFNkxDLkqDRUOLdcnCwKNH8hHNlh3D3fX-Zoqd-Ymxmyqbvtc_ZAXvdkaXchUEiRn1uvT6TmenjlJ1nw5/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6bbq4AaN-GunwzHo9CFTFdUm8c-nSXMsN1iPwSQNAvzwXYXmQcbyLPu-J7mqFNkxDLkqDRUOLdcnCwKNH8hHNlh3D3fX-Zoqd-Ymxmyqbvtc_ZAXvdkaXchUEiRn1uvT6TmenjlJ1nw5/s1600/Picture2.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Well, we had it for breakfast and we had it for tea and then, we realised we were still left with half a loaf and <i>Navratri</i> was fast approaching. For the nine days of Navratri, we are vegetarian at home. So, prodded on by the weather, we used the remaining half for a bread pudding. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And as the skies rumbled and the rain lashed outside, we stayed indoors with a warm, comforting bowl of babka pudding. It is like any other bread pudding with a crisp top and all warm and soft underneath but that chocolate and almond filling of the babka running through the pudding just takes it to another soul comforting level. Again, not for the calorie conscious. <i>But, oh do live a little!</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ </i><b><i><br /></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Chocolate Babka</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Makes one loaf.</i> <b>Recipe, </b>minimally adadpted: Yossy Arefi for <i><a href="https://food52.com/blog/10294-how-to-make-chocolate-babka-at-home" target="_blank"><b>Food 52</b></a>.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For the Dough </span></b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2 1/4 teaspoons (or 1 packet) active dry yeast</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3/4 cup luke warm milk</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">6 tablespoons sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2 tablespoons vegetable oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Zest of 1 orange</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2 eggs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1 teaspoon salt</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Directions:</b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Stir the yeast into the milk to dissolve. Let it sit until it's foamy.<b> </b></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While the yeast proofs, cream the butter and sugar together in the bowl
of a stand mixer. Add the oil and zest, and mix well to
combine. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing until each egg is
incorporated before adding the next. Increase the mixer speed to high
and beat the mixture for about 2 minutes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Turn the mixer to low and add the flour and salt, followed by the milk
and yeast mixture. Switch to the dough hook attachment and mix the dough
until a soft, tacky dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured
surface and knead by hand for two more minutes. The dough should feel
soft, supple, and smooth.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Move the dough to a clean, oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let
the dough rise at a moderate room temperature for about 2 hours, or
until it has almost doubled in size. You can also let the dough rise
overnight in the refrigerator, then shape it the next day.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For the Filling</span></b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1 cup finely chopped dark chocolate</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1 cup sliced almonds, toasted and finely chopped</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1 teaspoon ground cinnamon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1/4 cup unsalted butter</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Directions:</b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Prepare the filling while the dough is rising. Use a pastry blender or sharp knife to cut the ingredients together into a streusel-like
crumble.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>To shape the bread</b>: Roll the risen dough on a lightly floured surface
into a roughly 15x18-inch rectangle. Gently lift the dough to make
sure that it will easily release from the work surface. Sprinkle the
filling mixture evenly over the top of the dough, leaving a 1/4-inch
border around the edges, then roll the dough from the long end into a
tight log about 20 inches long.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Gently bend the dough into a "U" shape and twist the arms of the dough
two or three times around each other to form the loaf, then pinch the
seams together. Place the dough into a greased <b>9 x 5-inch loaf pan</b>.
Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature until the
babka fills the pan, 1 to 2 hours.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When the loaf has risen completely, brush with an egg wash made from one
egg and one tablespoon of water. Use a toothpick to poke a few holes in the top of the loaf
-- this will release any air pockets trapped between the folds of the
dough and filling.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Put the loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, then
rotate the pan and bake for 20 to 30 minutes more. When it's finished,
the loaf will be a deep golden brown on top and sound hollow when the
bottom is tapped.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Let the babka cool to room temperature before slicing.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Orange And Chocolate Bread Pudding </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">5-6 thick slices of babka, cut into 3 cms cubes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Juice of 1 orange </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2 eggs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2 tablespoons light brown sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">250 mls milk</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2 tablespoons double cream</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2 tablespoons dark rum (optional) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2 teaspoons light brown sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">butter, for greasing</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Directions: </b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Preheat the oven to 170 deg C. Grease an ovenproof dish lightly with butter. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Tip in the babka cubes. </span>Pour the orange juice all over the bread cubes and let it soak in.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Whisk
together the eggs, light brown sugar, rum, double cream and milk.
Pour this mixture over the bread and press the cubes down to coat them
in the liquid. Put on a kettle of water to boil.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Leave
all this to soak for 20 minutes, then sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of demerara sugar. </span></span></span>Place the dish in the roasting tin in the oven. Carefully pour boiling
water into the roasting tin to come halfway up the sides of the dish,
taking care not to allow any of the water to go into the pudding. Bake
for 30-40 minutes, or until nearly set through.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Remove from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. You may serve it warm just as it is or with vanilla ice-cream or creme fraiche<em>.</em></span></span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></span></b></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
baker in disguisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03055149985884994250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642223551650393945.post-4274402508630493622017-09-12T17:31:00.001+05:302017-09-12T17:31:28.264+05:30Dahi Vada<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Despite having visited Delhi over the years, the visits have always been fleeting. Never enough time to explore the facets of a city that they say, has risen and fallen and then risen again (seven or is it eight times), each time with the fortunes of a different empire and its rulers. And yet, over the past year, three books have taken me to the heart of Old Delhi, bringing it alive at three different points in time.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It all started with Pamela Timms' '<i><a href="https://www.amazon.in/Korma-Kheer-Kismet-Seasons-Delhi/dp/9382277145?_encoding=UTF8&%2AVersion%2A=1&%2Aentries%2A=0&portal-device-attributes=desktop" target="_blank">Korma, Kheer & Kismet</a>'</i>. Fed up by the set rules of an expat's life in Delhi, she embarks on a journey to experience the street food of Delhi with it's seasons as her backdrop. She braves Delhi's unbearable Summer for a plate of Ashok and Ashok's mutton korma that finishes within an hour of opening and endures the lashing Monsoon rains and scare of the infamous 'Delhi belly' to try the Mughlai food in the streets around Jama Masjid. The sight of a mound of <i>shakarkhandi</i> (sweet potatoes) atop a khomcha wallah signals the cooler days of early autumn and chilly Winter mornings are spent in the search for the ephemeral 'Daulat ki Chaat'. And in between she visits a whole plethora of small shops and eateries that dot the landscape of Old Delhi feeding the multitudes of residents, immigrant workers, shoppers and curious travellers alike. In her quests, she goes anywhere and everywhere. From Pt. Ved Prakash Lemon Wale's nimboo soda to Old and Famous's jalebis to Gopal Krishna Gupta's aloo tikki to Bade Mian's kheer to a whole host of other places that all sell that one unique dish that they have perfected over the generations, never to be replicated by another. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In her aimless rambles around the streets and bylanes of Old Delhi, s</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">he surrenders to the chaos and embraces the mayhem that is Old Delhi and in return, it's people open their homes, kitchens, hearts, lives, dreams and just about everything else except of course, that closely guarded family recipe. With her words, she brings alive the <i>Purani Dilli</i> of today with all its quirks and idiosyncrasies, as the city continues to reveal itself to her through its street food and the people and families behind it. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSgx8XtX-c7W2kFPwATEN9rEZ_VuOAF3wYHXFv5ZUnt5jw7ztUQKiWsdrrHXgUUdXWnC2zjh1Ah6u4D6gyxspdsv_48EB7WNJJaoQ70wMRsxsg9WeZoTwXUrhMglvPXLRRTQNs5FqZA1w/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSgx8XtX-c7W2kFPwATEN9rEZ_VuOAF3wYHXFv5ZUnt5jw7ztUQKiWsdrrHXgUUdXWnC2zjh1Ah6u4D6gyxspdsv_48EB7WNJJaoQ70wMRsxsg9WeZoTwXUrhMglvPXLRRTQNs5FqZA1w/s1600/Picture1.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The second book was Ahmed Ali's <a href="https://www.amazon.in/Twilight-Delhi-Ahmed-Ali/dp/8129112515/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1505136777&sr=1-1&keywords=twilight+in+delhi+by+ahmed+ali" target="_blank">'Twilight in Delhi'</a> that I got to know of while reading another book on Delhi, a couple of years ago, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.in/City-Djinns-Delhi-William-Dalrymple/dp/0142001007" target="_blank">'City of Djinns'</a></i> by William Dalrymple. Set in the early 1900s, the author sets out to describe in painstaking detail the days and lives of the people of Delhi at the time. Of women cloistered within the four walls of the <i>zenana</i> oblivious to the humdrum of life navigated by the men outside. Of days punctuated by the calls to prayer, cries of street vendors, whines of beggars, sounds of craftsmen at work, blessings of the fakirs and poetry on the lips of everyone when mere words would not suffice to convey the emotion of the moment. Of nights that belonged to courtesans whose beauty and allure hid a lifetime of heartbreak and denial. Of marriages arranged, festivals celebrated, epidemics battled and deaths mourned. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But, this is all in the shadow of time when the Mughal Empire was defeated, its rulers exiled and its people looked on as a new colonial ruler sought to stamp its authority at the cost of the local culture. The flashes of despair and melancholy that you glimpse early on in the book grow to a vice like embrace by the time you reach the last pages. Partition's unfortunate legacy would mean that the author had to leave for Pakistan and the Oxford University Press would reduce the book to being described as <i>'a novel that describes.. ..a way of life in the predominantly Muslim areas of Delhi'</i>. What it is, is a book that documents a time in the life of this city lost forever as it was on the cusp of being re-imagined by its new rulers from the ashes of the previous empire. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0CS9eivYG94lmTc979zh8c2bdeqtyxA6ebGN74EtrarqcK1IZxG1Ese4IDWzSu10-Pd2BaczWwerO__98JQtGi0MScJXCSzzykl9s0OuTeFpFpGrxuzUI00IRpmvhc-Rwgksfk_TA5Xl/s1600/Picture2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0CS9eivYG94lmTc979zh8c2bdeqtyxA6ebGN74EtrarqcK1IZxG1Ese4IDWzSu10-Pd2BaczWwerO__98JQtGi0MScJXCSzzykl9s0OuTeFpFpGrxuzUI00IRpmvhc-Rwgksfk_TA5Xl/s1600/Picture2.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And finally, the book that captivated me completely was Madhur Jaffrey's <i>'<a href="https://www.amazon.in/Climbing-Mango-Trees-Memoir-Childhood/dp/0091908930/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1505139883&sr=1-1&keywords=madhur+jaffrey+climbing+the+mango+trees" target="_blank">Climbing the Mango Trees</a>'</i>, her childhood memoirs. Born into a Kayastha family, a community that were traditionally the record keepers of the Mughals and who would make the transition under the new colonial rulers. On a historic timeline, this books picks up where Ahmed Ali's book ends. Growing up in a large joint family in a house overlooking the Yamuna, she takes you into the world of her childhood. A world where Mughal, British and Hindu influences would intermingle while the country inexorably marched towards Independence. While she discusses the social milieu of the time, this is a book about her childhood. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">She introduces you to her large joint family over expansive family meals with its doses of bonhomie and humour and underlying currents of gossip and speculations. You accompany her on her summer holidays in the hills and her trips to the Yamuna river bed for the choicest pick of watermelons. You watch as her elder brothers and sisters grow up and embrace their lives and loves. She takes you to her school and you meet her teachers, friends and that comes with school life. And there's so much more she will reveal about her childhood and with such honesty and intimacy and with a language so descriptive that these recollections don't feel like those of a stranger but those of a grandmother or grand aunt by whose side you sit as she reminisces. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Most of us today know Madhur Jaffery as a cook book author and you'd imagine her book to be about food and in that assumption, you won't be doing this book justice. Food weaves itself through the pages of this book as inextricably as it always does with our memories. But this book is so much more. It is about her growing years in all its intimate and innocent detail which you will remember long after you've read the book. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2sCsZ1SLStTFEzyXG0sD8f7OGiSqLatdzlYd2LXmRACvYleAAlfJHmAkE3XQElh9GklMzv3kmPNGY2s2xncT2-lO-M7EwWS9Il8xe4TU41hrydWdvRT2gRKQg1cUF3a7-ftlCG4sDLy3/s1600/Picture3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2sCsZ1SLStTFEzyXG0sD8f7OGiSqLatdzlYd2LXmRACvYleAAlfJHmAkE3XQElh9GklMzv3kmPNGY2s2xncT2-lO-M7EwWS9Il8xe4TU41hrydWdvRT2gRKQg1cUF3a7-ftlCG4sDLy3/s1600/Picture3.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">All this talk of Delhi had me pulling out a recipe for <i>Dahi Vadas</i> or as the Dilliwallas call it, '<i>Dahi Bhalle</i>'. I would describe them here but Madhur Jaffrey does such a delicious job of it that why bother. She describes them as <i>"fried split-pea patties spread with creamy yogurt, salt, a hot chili
mixture and, finally, tamarind chutney “as thick as melted chocolate." </i>And then she goes on to write that <i>"</i></span><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">the dahi baras would melt in our mouths with the minimum of resistance,
the hot spices would bring tears to our eyes, the yogurt would cool us
down, and the tamarind would perk up our taste buds as nothing else
could. This to us was heaven.”</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">After such a description, there is really nothing more for me to say except that I've shared my mother's recipe but goes without saying that every home in India would have their own trusted one. It is a simple enough recipe that goes down a treat during tea time. </span><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For a city that keeps rising from the ashes ever so often in the history of time, I leave you with these words of Anupreeta Das, <i>"</i></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i>Delhi now belonged to everyone who lived in it. But no one belonged to Delhi."</i><strong> </strong></span></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ </i><b><i><br /></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dahi Vada</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Serves 2-3</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For the Vadas </span></b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/3 cup white urad dal (split black gram lentil)</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Oil, to fry</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For the Yoghurt and garnish </span></b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1-1.5 cups yoghurt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Salt, to taste</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Red chilli powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Roasted ground cumin powder (jeera powder)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Tamarind chutney </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Directions:</b></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To make the Vadas:</span></b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Wash the lentils until the water appears clear. Soak in 3 cups of water for atleast 6 hours.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Drain the water and grind lentils to a very creamy texture, just using enough water needed to blend. Using too much water while grinding lentils will make it very watery and will not produce creamy texture.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Whip lentil batter for about 2-3 minutes until batter becomes light and fluffy. If needed, add few spoonfuls of water.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To fry the vadas, use a flat frying pan. Do not pour more than 1/2-inch of oil above the surface of the frying pan.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Place the heat on medium high. To check if oil is ready put a little batter into the oil; oil will sizzle and batter should slowly start to swell up without changing colour.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Place about a couple of 1 tablespoonfuls of batter into the oil. Batter should not be covered with oil. This will allow the vada to expand. The vadas will be softer if they are shallow fried.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Fry the vadas to golden brown.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Place the vadas in lukewarm, salted water and soak for atleast about 30 minutes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Squeeze out the excess water from the vadas gently by placing them between your two palms, taking care not to break the vadas. </span></li>
</ul>
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To make Roasted ground cumin seeds</span></b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Put 2 tablespoons of cumin seeds (jeera) into a small cast-iron frying pan and set over medium-low heat. Stir and roast the seeds until they give out a sharp, roasted aroma and turn a shade darker. Empty the seeds onto a piece of paper towel to cool off, and then grind well in a spice/coffee grinder. Use as desired.</span></li>
</ul>
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To make Tamarind chutney</span></b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Soak 1/4 cup tamarind (imli) in 3/4 cup of hot water for 30 minutes.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Let it cool at room temperature. Mash tamarind in water and strain through a fine sieve. Press mashed tamarind with spoon while straining to get more pulp out. Discard the residue. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Transfer the tamarind pulp into a pan and add 1/2 cup of finely chopped jaggery. Bring it to boil and cook on medium flame until jaggery dissolves completely.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Add 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder and 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder and mix well. Check for sweetness and add more jaggery if you would like it sweeter.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Take it off the heat and allow it cool at room temperature.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Transfer into an airtight glass container and store in a refrigerator and use as desired.</span></li>
</ul>
<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> To make yoghurt topping and garnish:</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Take the yoghurt and whisk until very smooth. Add a little water or milk to loosen it. You are looking for a consistency similar to that of a pancake batter. Add salt to taste.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Place all the vadas on a serving plate and douse them in the yoghurt for atleast 20 minutes, giving the vadas time to absorb the yoghurt.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Just before serving, pour a few spoons of extra yoghurt all over the vadas. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sprinkle ground roasted cumin seeds and red chilli powder all over the vadas and yoghurt.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For an individual serving, slowly place the vadas in a serving bowl, sprinkle a little more roasted cumin powder and chilli powder, if you desire and finish it off with a drizzle of tamarind chutney.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
baker in disguisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03055149985884994250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642223551650393945.post-34229829268777889282017-07-23T18:04:00.002+05:302017-07-23T18:04:48.741+05:30Plum Torte<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I love a recipe that comes with a story. It just makes things a little more interesting. Like last year, when I came across a New York Times' recipe for a plum torte. This is no ordinary cake, this is NYT's most requested and most loved recipe, in the history of the newspaper. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In 1983, NYT food columnist, Marian Burros first published this recipe. It was a simple recipe that appeared without any fanfare, accompanying an article on the arrival of plums in the market. It was so popular with the readers that the recipe was printed every September from 1983 to 1987, to coincide with the plum season. In 1989, the newspaper tweaked the amount of sugar in the recipe and announced that this would be the last year they would be printing this recipe. To help matters along, the recipe that year, came with a broken line border to encourage people to cut it out and store it away. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcXwcXZ51GzO729wWa_lctnJEj7wH87QCk0EyPmOxcy3gaL1fi0xKp93mo6h-anz13ql6O3YC0234re60OnB28iIHwy1jhv7OwI2tOgZMBwZF7HcfxtNX4R8Xdc8JBWUXD-eRzYPidNbf/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcXwcXZ51GzO729wWa_lctnJEj7wH87QCk0EyPmOxcy3gaL1fi0xKp93mo6h-anz13ql6O3YC0234re60OnB28iIHwy1jhv7OwI2tOgZMBwZF7HcfxtNX4R8Xdc8JBWUXD-eRzYPidNbf/s1600/Picture1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But, the backlash was swift and at times, brutal. Readers couldn't understand why the newspaper was messing with their annual late Summer tradition that for some was as important as the 'Declaration of Independence' on the back page of the Fourth of July issue. Well, with such extreme emotions being evoked by a recipe, the newspaper had no choice but to dutifully publish the recipe of their Plum Torte, every September. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">With such a back story, how could I not bake this cake. Last year, when they published it in September, the plums had long left the market. So, this year, am getting in on the game early. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhVtFG52G62QFqSxaBgWHGF1DFGtmQQoW8cw606h0ghAcbggpDxrjj5A_WzjDKlI0H6YfDn-MuGq8b5SCqH1aA0pwFBbRXdWj1W3AN7qVhjcq8FGiGAGpbDIquiBFI3ptjrXGAp1vWdkY/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhVtFG52G62QFqSxaBgWHGF1DFGtmQQoW8cw606h0ghAcbggpDxrjj5A_WzjDKlI0H6YfDn-MuGq8b5SCqH1aA0pwFBbRXdWj1W3AN7qVhjcq8FGiGAGpbDIquiBFI3ptjrXGAp1vWdkY/s1600/Picture2.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">They couldn't be a simpler cake to bake. The ingredients are all pantry staples and the instructions are fuss free. It all comes together beautifully. As the batter rises, the plums sink into it, going all soft and jammy. As always, the slight tartness of the fruit, a lovely counter to a sweet cake. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's not as if I haven't made a plum cake before but none have been as simple and fuss-free as this one. You can play around with any soft fruit. Cherries, peaches or if your markets are bursting with berries, those would be perfect too. It is perfect for tea, breakfast or even that picnic in the park. This is a recipe you want to keep with you at all time, simply changing the fruit as the season changes. If there is one cake you make this season, let it be this one. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnveMwYADq0i7S62ZG9nAd2uzk9-R9L0yORhJLF_CQm4-Fv0ykaXxO0YDz4vkfZUrRE8XlzDOqC_zebdYnKP34YgerlWwRt9p24DZBfLqrRjsZK_fSe6hQIWKXT8qi8VORyxhFk9v1EKxq/s1600/Picture3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnveMwYADq0i7S62ZG9nAd2uzk9-R9L0yORhJLF_CQm4-Fv0ykaXxO0YDz4vkfZUrRE8XlzDOqC_zebdYnKP34YgerlWwRt9p24DZBfLqrRjsZK_fSe6hQIWKXT8qi8VORyxhFk9v1EKxq/s1600/Picture3.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Many years later when Marian Burros was asked about the recipe's enduring appeal, she said, <i>"</i></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>I love that something so simple took off. Of course, I think that’s why
it did." </i>I couldn't agree more.</span><br />
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ </i><b><i><br /></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Plum Torte</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Recipe<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> courtesy </span>: <a href="https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/3783-original-plum-torte">New York Times</a></b><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Serves 8.<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3/4 cup sugar</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 cup flour, sifted</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 teaspoon baking powder</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">pinch of salt, optional</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2 eggs</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">10-12 plums, pitted and halved</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon, for topping </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Directions:</b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Pre-heat the oven to 180 deg C. Grease and li<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ne a 8 or 9-inch spring-form tin.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Toss the halved plums in some sugar, lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon as per your taste and the sweetness of the fruit.</span> </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Cream the sugar and butter in a bowl, until light and fluffy.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Add the eggs and beat well. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Then, add the flour, baking powder, salt and mix well.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Spoon the batter into a spring-form pan of 8 or 9 inches. Place the
plum halves skin side up on top of the batter. Sprinkle lightly with
sugar and lemon juice.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Bake 1 hour, approximately. Remove and cool to lukewarm and serve plain or with whipped cream. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">*<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I halved the above recipe and used a 6-inch spring-form tin and 4-5 plums<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. Baking time was approximately 45 minutes for half the recipe.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
baker in disguisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03055149985884994250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642223551650393945.post-51875408968834039022017-07-16T16:04:00.000+05:302017-07-16T16:04:28.187+05:30Wine Soaked Peaches With Mint And Vanilla<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Every year, I tell myself that when stone fruit season comes around, I'll make all the recipes that I've bookmarked through the year. It's no secret how much I enjoy baking and cooking with the fruit of the season and my cookbooks attest to that. These are usually cookbooks written by authors in the West, whose recipes are usually set in the Summer when their markets are crammed with berries and stone fruits.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Unfortunately, in India we have this really tiny window of opportunity when it comes to stone fruits. The first cherries appear in the last days of May when I frankly couldn't be bothered to do anything in that blistering heat but eat a bowl of chilled cherries every day as a snack. It's only when the rains come that you can think of making something with the fruits before you blink and they just vanish from the markets.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRgX4e5DdyVB6H0i4Wm2sk4wshGKJEFDJ3WCWg3MWLZtaG5xCmOdpChdMckXwrzJF99O4KoRhr-ug4-VePAxk6-pInSX7HJ9zFWfu3gi63auZ_KxeahCYd8BywDTUgvtiMWN9mYm8mF8l/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRgX4e5DdyVB6H0i4Wm2sk4wshGKJEFDJ3WCWg3MWLZtaG5xCmOdpChdMckXwrzJF99O4KoRhr-ug4-VePAxk6-pInSX7HJ9zFWfu3gi63auZ_KxeahCYd8BywDTUgvtiMWN9mYm8mF8l/s1600/Picture1.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Well, I did try making a cherry cake last week and if you saw my post on <i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Baker.in.disguise/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></i> or <i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bakerindisguise/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></i>, you'd know that it was a disaster. Yes, I tried to pretty up the picture but honestly, that cake didn't have much going for it. Finally, because I hate wasting food, I had to make a batch of chocolate sauce, doused the cake in it to make it palatable so that we could quietly finish it off.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But, my confidence has taken a bit of a beating. So, instead I went with a no-bake dessert from Yossy's <i><a href="http://www.amazon.in/Sweeter-off-Vine-Desserts-Season/dp/1607748584" target="_blank">book</a></i> before I get my bearings to bake another cake. This is a simple dessert where the peaches are soaked in white wine for two days along with some mint and vanilla and then served with some lightly whipped cream. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwBPMJGLlJQAKdkdvdAzCKEJP9p3p_19qFIG1YtjDKy3Hu2zbp4gopcWe1PsIziAFWto8PYUgDfKOHwexrOQBWymqRWrXLc7WIUI_a-UeuDwJsH3k3RHHUHqZA_mSkatGsirv21PPotHp/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwBPMJGLlJQAKdkdvdAzCKEJP9p3p_19qFIG1YtjDKy3Hu2zbp4gopcWe1PsIziAFWto8PYUgDfKOHwexrOQBWymqRWrXLc7WIUI_a-UeuDwJsH3k3RHHUHqZA_mSkatGsirv21PPotHp/s1600/Picture2.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The reason I chose this dessert was because I have usually poached my fruits over heat, never just soaked them in wine. What you get is a simple, chilled, no-fuss dessert to enjoy the peaches in season. This is not a rainy day dessert. This is a dessert for the days when the rain takes a breather and the humidity and heat come back in full force. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's very important that you choose your peaches carefully. You are looking for firm peaches that have already ripened. If your peaches are still slightly unripe, they won't soften in the wine. You are then better off poaching them as that will soften them down. Neither will they be able to absorb the flavours of the mint and vanilla nor would the wine get infused with the scent of the peaches. I had a mixture of peaches that were ripe and some slightly under and I realised that while we really enjoyed the ripe slices, the slightly tougher ones needed some work.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have served them with some lightly whipped cream but some vanilla ice cream will also work fine or you could just have the peaches with their wine syrup alone. But, it is important that you serve them chilled. That's what makes them so special on a hot day. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Jo7Zz9rJp11tqdgSNXGi2lwyPilT0QSL5aJ5DAFCtW4Ri2RckyhbzKhjaEI6PiSSEejA4CMPe5za2YH5K6FnsB8OdjOn7dDGoHOu5STSkHX-iVh8EqA1wFZNUsR0h40UsR8PJE1Cv8HL/s1600/Picture3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Jo7Zz9rJp11tqdgSNXGi2lwyPilT0QSL5aJ5DAFCtW4Ri2RckyhbzKhjaEI6PiSSEejA4CMPe5za2YH5K6FnsB8OdjOn7dDGoHOu5STSkHX-iVh8EqA1wFZNUsR0h40UsR8PJE1Cv8HL/s1600/Picture3.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And here's the best part of the recipe. Once you've enjoyed the peaches, you are going to be left with some peach scented wine. Yossy recommends that you turn that wine into spritzers. Simply top up a glass of wine with some sparkling water (club soda), ice and a twist of lemon and it is just such a refreshing drink for a humid evening. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Hope you are enjoying the weekend..x!</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ </i><b><i><br /></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Wine Soaked Peaches With Mint And Vanilla</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Serves 6-8. Recipe Source : <a href="http://www.amazon.in/Sweeter-off-Vine-Desserts-Season/dp/1607748584" target="_blank">Yossy Arefi's Sweeter Off The Vine</a></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 vanilla bean</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2</span> cup sugar </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A handful of fresh mint leaves</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">6 medium peaches, firm but ripe, about 450 gms</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 750 mls bottle white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Lightly sweetened whipped cream, to serve</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Directions:</b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Use the tip of a knife and slice the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. In a large bowl, rub the vanilla seeds into the sugar with your fingers until well combined and fragrant, add the vanilla pod as well. </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Tear the mint leaves in half and bruise them with your fingers to release their fragrance and oils. </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Add them to the sugar and then whisk in the wine.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Wash and gently scrub the peaches to remove some of their fuzz. Slice the peaches in half to remove the pits, then slice each half into 1/2-inch wedges, adding the wedges to the wine as you go. The peaches should be completely submerged in the wine. If they aren't, top off the mixture with a bit more wine.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Cover and refrigerate at least overnight and up to two days. <b>Stir the peaches occasionally to help the sugar dissolve.</b> The peaches will become more flavourful as they sit.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When ready to serve, serve about one peach per person in clear glasses topped with a bit of the chilled wine syrup and a dollop of cream/vanilla ice-cream, if you like.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To make a spritzer: Use any leftover peach-scented wine syrup to make a refreshing spritzer. Fill a glass with ice and three quarters full of wine, and top the while thing off with a splash of sparkling water and dash of lemon juice. Cheers!</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
baker in disguisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03055149985884994250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642223551650393945.post-57264009691327095282017-07-13T20:01:00.002+05:302017-07-14T18:20:18.471+05:30Turkish Coffee Chocolate Creams<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Oh Summer, you made it so difficult. I tried this year to handle you better. I really tried. I woke up earlier than the Sun, while the air was cool from the night gone by and I could hear the birds sing. And as the birds retreated deep within the trees to escape the day's heat, I too, fortunately enough stayed indoors. Only to step out in the evening when a breeze would carry the scent of the flowers - mogras, champas, madhumalati, brave enough to bloom in the heat. I feasted on the season's bounty - watermelons, cantaloupes, mangoes, litchies, licking their juices off my fingers whilst watching the Gulmohar cover itself with fiery red blossoms. I cooled off with elixirs that are native to my land - aam panna, coconut water, bael sharbat, as I waited all Summer for the Amaltas to bloom with its trademark plumes of yellow flowers. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNICHBsZh5bw2o5-dGhRdYdZEILlsx8nghWQNWIVpOipHEIMc7bnJ1UUboQFqrLhKFRFtCNSBHpjyBmHBoWeek7bpluaqA08f0WQpi_BbSwMTzZms2Jhb4d29kMjzv16ao_YRdVnIJ5lz8/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNICHBsZh5bw2o5-dGhRdYdZEILlsx8nghWQNWIVpOipHEIMc7bnJ1UUboQFqrLhKFRFtCNSBHpjyBmHBoWeek7bpluaqA08f0WQpi_BbSwMTzZms2Jhb4d29kMjzv16ao_YRdVnIJ5lz8/s1600/Picture1.png" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And yet none of it was enough. As the days wore on, the sun got brighter, the heat more intense, the days more listless, the earth drier and fatigue set in with just about everything. Even the wind was tired, you could barely feel its presence. Everyone was preoccupied with only one thought, the first rain of the season. The wait was nothing but torturous and yet, the day arrives when the cast after many false starts, gets its act together. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXT9KIv1qr3LTerVjc7GT8CYHOIoFldzQEhzlWgl2QV4p-6HeuhZGDFSUz4K3ZCJ_oUAsioteyKNtH-ZNjcYiYB5UkZ2GQKeYeV3ENSoak9dvhV0hfByVdpWRIz_MyPW_Ast7bXTnYLmd/s1600/Picture3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXT9KIv1qr3LTerVjc7GT8CYHOIoFldzQEhzlWgl2QV4p-6HeuhZGDFSUz4K3ZCJ_oUAsioteyKNtH-ZNjcYiYB5UkZ2GQKeYeV3ENSoak9dvhV0hfByVdpWRIz_MyPW_Ast7bXTnYLmd/s1600/Picture3.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9kTHhZPODcGYR7cHdMRhy-rIHGs1L463kLzQUK8646IyHH-ZCJzVIoMvMdSSMKg0TuYZih9uQ9VNj1OgXVrv0prZh4K2wOHCH24yV21Dzo5wPPbluxcGgy8BS8_CjrZsOQEtQ31nq03a/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9kTHhZPODcGYR7cHdMRhy-rIHGs1L463kLzQUK8646IyHH-ZCJzVIoMvMdSSMKg0TuYZih9uQ9VNj1OgXVrv0prZh4K2wOHCH24yV21Dzo5wPPbluxcGgy8BS8_CjrZsOQEtQ31nq03a/s1600/Picture2.png" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dark clouds take over the sky, a cool breeze picks up pace, streaks of lightning light up the sky followed by rolls of thunder and then, the clouds let go. And you do nothing. You simply let your senses be overwhelmed as the rain hits the parched earth, the trees get washed and the earth is perfumed with the scent of wet mud. Because it is only that fragrance that has the power to drive away the frustration, anxiety and misery that Summer inflicts on us. In the euphoria of the first rains, you could almost be tempted to forgive Summer...<i>almost</i>! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGjx4u6KicroHkIYS_lsB-hhsr3vIkkW5Ox_cnVK747FQTehU49WtkeJEciXDKo6YGp2pLjqRDeYUcyBdtVUg4TLC61O19BHyGWXkFJFyZdOcxrAiS251pYSfpG-p3xtz3rYSl-8jkfuu/s1600/Picture4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGjx4u6KicroHkIYS_lsB-hhsr3vIkkW5Ox_cnVK747FQTehU49WtkeJEciXDKo6YGp2pLjqRDeYUcyBdtVUg4TLC61O19BHyGWXkFJFyZdOcxrAiS251pYSfpG-p3xtz3rYSl-8jkfuu/s1600/Picture4.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCbo11ht_CDPkiuDu2C1oZ9wV77inPjbSPmZsAVy75nPXh0HN2xypi5WZUlRXCpGf07WsUcE67OJKeRQLFmgl_Omau79R5vMy68yUktZWEZgYLdgMEfOdrvZxuKaRMM6k-ay-dWJ2yTokM/s1600/Picture5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCbo11ht_CDPkiuDu2C1oZ9wV77inPjbSPmZsAVy75nPXh0HN2xypi5WZUlRXCpGf07WsUcE67OJKeRQLFmgl_Omau79R5vMy68yUktZWEZgYLdgMEfOdrvZxuKaRMM6k-ay-dWJ2yTokM/s1600/Picture5.png" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As I write this, the Monsoon has covered most of India and I retrace my steps back to the kitchen. And before the rains compel me to switch on the oven that's been lying idle all these months, a simple chocolate dessert to get us started. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It takes the idea of chocolate and cream and infuses it with the flavours of Turkish coffee and cardamom. The mixture is lightened with an egg yolk and cooked like a custard and then set in the cold. Because it is a cream based dessert, a little goes a long way and that is why I set them in demitasse cups. I have mentioned Turkish coffee but for ease, any freshly ground coffee that you enjoy would do.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkwfU4_AClV_88ykI9LcSGIu8CyI0NLRqO-0CO9HaEsSDw3Oa-iaw37sAmTcW6mouqOxBTR7P70F3im92H0Jz9yMmKK19RJjkY6H-BkG4yNOOujxhNW1STmp5jBCE1BG3wN44IWfdxoPj/s1600/Picture6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkwfU4_AClV_88ykI9LcSGIu8CyI0NLRqO-0CO9HaEsSDw3Oa-iaw37sAmTcW6mouqOxBTR7P70F3im92H0Jz9yMmKK19RJjkY6H-BkG4yNOOujxhNW1STmp5jBCE1BG3wN44IWfdxoPj/s1600/Picture6.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Depending on how long you steep the coffee and cardamom in the cream, will determine how prominently they reveal themselves in the final product. The cardamom lends a lovely, interesting touch to these little <i>pots de creme</i> that would make a lovely dessert after a heavy meal where you are not in the mood for anything elaborate. Admittedly, the presence of coffee does make these more suited to an adult palate. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Twas a long Summer and </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I do hope you are enjoying the rains in your part of the world! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ </i><b><i><br /></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Turkish Coffee Chocolate Creams</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Serves 2-3<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, depending on the size of the moulds.</span></span></span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/4 cup coffee, finely ground</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2 cardamom pods, lightly crushed</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2</span> stick cinnamon</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/2</span> cup heavy cream</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">30 gms dark chocolate<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2 egg yolks</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/8 cup superfine sugar</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">pinch of salt</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Directions:</b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Pour the cream in a small saucepan along with the cardamom and cinnamon. </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Place the coffee in a thin cotton dish towel and moisten it with a little water. Tie the cloth tightly. Place the coffee packet in the saucepan. <b><i>If you feel the cream is too thick, you can loosen it with a tablespoon of milk.</i></b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Heat the cream mixture and bring it a boil and then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and leave to cool and infuse for about an hour. </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Fill a bowl larger than your saucepan with ice.<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After an hour of infusion, squeeze the coffee packet to extract as much flavoured cream as possible. Strain the cream mixture though a sieve so as to catch the cardamom and cinnamon.</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Reheat the cream over low heat, and then add the chocolate, stirring it until it melts into the cream and remove from the heat.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar and a pinch of salt until the sugar is dissolved and the eggs are pale and thick.</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Pour a bit of the warm chocolate cream into the egg mixture and whisk to combine. Then add the rest and whisk again.</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Pour the entire mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the pudding is thick enough for you to draw a distinct line through it on the back of a spoon. (This will just take a minute)</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Remove the pan from the heat and place it in the ice bath. Stir from time to time until the mixture cools to room temperature and thickens into a custard. (This will take about five minutes).</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Spoon into small ramekins and refrigerate until ready to serve. When cold, the texture is a bit sticky, so bring your pots de creme to room temperature before serving. </span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
baker in disguisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03055149985884994250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642223551650393945.post-23689338009866743672017-03-20T15:19:00.000+05:302017-03-20T15:19:02.858+05:30Strawberry Mojito Paletas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Am sure you all read the news where the Met Department has predicted an <i>'above normal'</i> summer for the year with <i>'moderate to severe heat wave conditions'</i>. I don't know about you but my mind just went blank as I read the news. Anyone who knows me will tell you of my zero tolerance of the Indian Summer. And I still haven't forgotten last year's Summer. It was brutal, long, unforgiving and there was no respite till June. And to make matters worse, Winter was such a mild one this year. February, that month of blooming flowers and pleasant weather was this year, uncomfortably warm. It is not an one-off event. Freaky weather is increasingly becoming frequent. Every year is turning out as the hottest year ever recorded. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0TOSLd5gqO8HUGiRJvVYL4rwxvfLUcZQrUYR6RqR1YyrxBVEbwyVNGDZMHJnxwSpY7swS6yvvzONHBPrnIe3VyG78AuKjFJCdtDjh-YUIulqAp1vsqU4JsvhKII5PS-RSLmS7D4Oapbh/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0TOSLd5gqO8HUGiRJvVYL4rwxvfLUcZQrUYR6RqR1YyrxBVEbwyVNGDZMHJnxwSpY7swS6yvvzONHBPrnIe3VyG78AuKjFJCdtDjh-YUIulqAp1vsqU4JsvhKII5PS-RSLmS7D4Oapbh/s1600/Picture1.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This is just wrong. </span>We need to start thinking more seriously about changing weather patterns. About how we've allowed the green cover of our cities to deplete as they made way for concrete roads and shiny malls or let our rivers dwindle to resemble sewer drains. Of how each one of us has contributed to this mess and needs to make amends personally, however small the effort may seem. We need to make the effort to adopt solar energy for our energy needs at home and take up the responsibility to personally grow more trees. To use less plastic especially those blasted, ugly plastic bags that mar our cities and countryside. To make intelligent food choices that reflect locally grown produce because I think, we all agree, climate change is happening right now and it isn't sparing any of us.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And for any loon out
there, who thinks climate change is a hoax, I ask you to come and spend
the next three months in India, without any access to any kind of air
conditioning or cooling comfort. And once you are done, then we will
talk! </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOMMGUt-_tl-MUZBRGLH-6hfEcdVap0kH4lMlThxuzZuBjEBXE9SsRU3fQGuZVyuUkWy-Kf1bSWXY7O6vsQwxRKY0oSGSgq8fOln18bzHxNczfLI0vsKeOxS3pht4kJ_FTFM398_gco8n/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOMMGUt-_tl-MUZBRGLH-6hfEcdVap0kH4lMlThxuzZuBjEBXE9SsRU3fQGuZVyuUkWy-Kf1bSWXY7O6vsQwxRKY0oSGSgq8fOln18bzHxNczfLI0vsKeOxS3pht4kJ_FTFM398_gco8n/s1600/Picture2.png" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">While I despaired over the coming onslaught of Summer, I found a recipe for strawberry paletas in Yossy Arefi's <i><a href="http://www.amazon.in/Sweeter-off-Vine-Desserts-Season/dp/1607748584" target="_blank">'Sweeter Off The Vine'</a></i>. Paletas are ice pops made from fresh fruit and Yossy's are made with strawberries and campari. I, instead, took my inspiration from a strawberry mojito. So, in went mint, lime juice and rum to flavour these ice pops. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You can leave out the rum, if you wish, you will still enjoy them. And for those, who love their rum, don't go overboard or else these pops won't freeze. Be open to experimenting with any other fruit of your choice. And yes, I could have called them ice pops but how much more exotic does <i>paletas</i> sound. Makes you wanna put on a sombrero for the occasion.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLt6MUwU20y_2mbXkoCD-WPRgO8sFWlO08o1a7HF8BnRUjJ7HYb70C-HofGYrzsK-CIP4xTXt6AMlAXjvMljUxj28Fxo6VGEOJJp2t9GqV9utDRHCygNRw7fwZTem3fdceaz-07lM4ImW1/s1600/Picture3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLt6MUwU20y_2mbXkoCD-WPRgO8sFWlO08o1a7HF8BnRUjJ7HYb70C-HofGYrzsK-CIP4xTXt6AMlAXjvMljUxj28Fxo6VGEOJJp2t9GqV9utDRHCygNRw7fwZTem3fdceaz-07lM4ImW1/s1600/Picture3.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The absolute juvenile pleasure of enjoying an ice pop is ever intact. You may not be able to escape Summer but for a few minutes, these have the power to help you ignore it. <i>Summer, Be kind!</i></span> </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i></i></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ </i><b><i><br /></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Strawberry Mojito Paletas</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Makes one <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3-4 ice bars, depending on the size of the moulds.</span></span></span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2 cups strawberries</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2-1/3</span> cup sugar (dep<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ends on how sweet the strawberries are)</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2</span> cup water</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/2</span> tablespoon lemon juice</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1-2 ta<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">blespoons rum (optional)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2 tablespoons mint leaves, chopped </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Directions:</b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Heat the <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">water in a saucepan and dissolve the sugar in the ho<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">t water<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. Remove from the heat and add <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the cho<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">pped mint leaves<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. Let the <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">mint leaves steep in the sugar syrup for at least half an hour.</span></span></span></span></span> </span></span> </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hull the strawberries and slice them in half. Strain the sugar syrup of the mint leaves. </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Add the strawberries, mint sugar syru<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">p and lemon juice to a blen<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">der a<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">nd blend until smooth.</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Taste the mixture and adj<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ust the level of sweetness if necessary by adding more sugar.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Stir in the rum and then pour the mixture into the pop moulds<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> and freeze until completely firm<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, at least 6 hours or overnight<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></span> </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
baker in disguisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03055149985884994250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642223551650393945.post-81813131574247135812017-03-04T21:33:00.000+05:302017-03-04T21:33:24.750+05:30Orange Loaf<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I admire peop<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">le who pursue a creative passion alongside their regular day jobs. It's as if they have understoo<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">d <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">one of life's essenti<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">al less<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ons that <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">on<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ly the very fortunate few get to pursue their creative instinct as their life's wo<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">rk. For the rest of us, it is important that we find that pass<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ion/interest/hobby <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">in our lives that keeps th<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">at spark of creativity alive and keep<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">s us <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">hungry to</span> learn<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> more</span>.<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As long as you have that, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I believe <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">life will <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">a<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">l<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ways c<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ontinue to surprise you<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> and keep you away from the rut of sta<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">gnancy.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was reminded of <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">this when I recently finished with Navtej Sarna's book, <i>'Second Thoughts'</i>. Sarna <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">is the<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> current</span> I<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ndian Ambassador t<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">o the United States<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">who apart <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">from<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> being a <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">distinguis<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">hed diplomat <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">has also traversed the jour<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ney from writing newspaper features to literary essays to poetic <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">translations to </span>short stories to novels.<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Something to be sa<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">id of diplomats and their <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">mastery of the written word. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Of the top of my head I can think of Vikas Swar<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">up, till recently the Ministry of Ex<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ternal Affairs spoke<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">sperson and now High Commissioner t<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">o Canada who is equally well known for his liter<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ary body of work, of which 'Q & A' remains<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> his most <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">well known</span>, after<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> it was adapted in film as '<i>Slumdog Millionaire'</i>.<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> There's Shashi T<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">har<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">oor<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, the former UN diplomat and author of a number of widely acclaimed books<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> including the litera<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">r<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">y masterpiece <i>'The Great Indian Novel'</i> that <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">is a<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">lw<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ays on my list of personal favourites</span></span></span>. And why, even Pab<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">lo Neruda was a diplomat!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-01jtxGt3yXOE_OYyaO_icVeHl8pvvk0N7wY9zgUZxrcACAvoWcbC1CUmjYo-Ru_tUTw-F_vQ8xjprmsaYw3iG32rsfmCzY4SfTrmHBocTbYeSkGlCIF1IR9fzLgqqsDiNJ-mNCGMqeWC/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-01jtxGt3yXOE_OYyaO_icVeHl8pvvk0N7wY9zgUZxrcACAvoWcbC1CUmjYo-Ru_tUTw-F_vQ8xjprmsaYw3iG32rsfmCzY4SfTrmHBocTbYeSkGlCIF1IR9fzLgqqsDiNJ-mNCGMqeWC/s1600/Picture1.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Coming back to Sarn<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">a's book, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">it is a collection of essays that he's written for the <i>'Hindu Literary Review'</i></span><i>, </i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ov<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">er a period of seven yea<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">rs<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. His <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">main motivation is to <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">explore</span> the personal lives of <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the authors of th<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">e books he's read<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, </span>as he puts it, <i>'to understand the mind of the writer and the process of literary cre</i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>ation'</i>. His quest <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">leads him to Wodehouse's school to Hemingway's home in Cuba to Boris <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Pasterna<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">k's forgotten grave to a drink with Khushwant Singh<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> to the cafe in Cairo where Na<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">guib Mahfou<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">z wrote for four decades only to f<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">i<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">nd it abandoned and boarded up</span></span></span></span>. There are books and authors that you have read and loved, those that you know about but haven<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'t ye<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">t read and then<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, there are th<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ose to whom you are introduced to for the first time in <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">this <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">book. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">makes this book <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">is <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sarna's deep love of books<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> that shines through every page. It speaks to the book lover amongst us when he recounts <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">th<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">at</span> thrill of di<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">scovery in a second hand bookshop or th<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">at</span> time he read <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Gone with the Wind</span> whil<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">st <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">standing against a pole in a crowded 'Univers<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ity Special' bus. O<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">f how there's no greater companion than a book to snuggle up<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> to </span>on a rainy day or after a hike in the mountains. </span>You'll understand his lament of how <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the beauty, grace and nuances of a language <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">are</span> being <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">lost in today's <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">world of 140 characters and instant down<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">loads. But most important<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ly, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">o</span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">f how over the years, like old friends, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the books that we have read</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">have stood witness to the</span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the differe<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">nt phases of o<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ur life.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQS9KbcmQp3Jhyz-Qwn5xSX7KXVRDHBY7GXxz5U4MiKvSYdwmzIkWxXW79sMJ2LEpbxHFFYVpSuf3-DxRpxbFkP_2wP-cTu_sRDhIwXUTW7i1eufgT2sivPaJgT-tVSok6-FF_N5i49oT/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQS9KbcmQp3Jhyz-Qwn5xSX7KXVRDHBY7GXxz5U4MiKvSYdwmzIkWxXW79sMJ2LEpbxHFFYVpSuf3-DxRpxbFkP_2wP-cTu_sRDhIwXUTW7i1eufgT2sivPaJgT-tVSok6-FF_N5i49oT/s1600/Picture2.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So, between books and finding that balance in life, I baked a cake. It<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'s a simple cake for those time<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">s when lost in a book for hours, you look up at <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">one po<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">int, looking for something to keep you going. This cake does the job beautifully. I got the re<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">c<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ipe <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">for it the old-fashioned way. It comes <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">from my sister who got it from her sister-in-law who got it f<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">rom her friend and<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> the chain ends here because I have no clue how she got it. </span></span></span></span></span></span>It<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'s an orange loaf and when I say<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> orang<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">e, it<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'s the whole orange - </span></span>pith, pips<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">et a<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">l</span></span></i>. You simply put <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">all the ingredients in a blender<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, whiz and you have your batter ready. Even by my standards, it doesn't get simpler than this.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And for all your grand efforts, you are rewarded with a beautiful<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, moist, warm <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">hued</span></span> cake that speaks of citrus and sunsh<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ine. If you are wondering about the pith and pips aff<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ecting the taste<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">there is a hint of bitterness in the cake but it is not <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">at all</span> overpowe<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ring. If anything, it balances the sweetness.<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzXmYxBXz8qDPflfWGx6XMfQ7-ZWefT8-adjEBX-UH8N-5AG0osv5zmMMouKIUIdraFBLmcCunIPAWXfe5tcaxTTOWM8_d6Gomj_3_J89N0M_-H7tlXjokgmjGHgbr2Ubm0cfCHsJyEVZ/s1600/Picture3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzXmYxBXz8qDPflfWGx6XMfQ7-ZWefT8-adjEBX-UH8N-5AG0osv5zmMMouKIUIdraFBLmcCunIPAWXfe5tcaxTTOWM8_d6Gomj_3_J89N0M_-H7tlXjokgmjGHgbr2Ubm0cfCHsJyEVZ/s1600/Picture3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> think you'll enj<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">oy it as much as we did. Have a beautiful weekend!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i></i></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ </i><b><i><br /></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Orange Loaf</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Recipe<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> courtesy </span>: <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Farisa Giri</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Makes one <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">9x5-inch loaf cake*. </span></span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1</span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">orange</span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">180 gms butter</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3 <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">eggs</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 1/2 cups self rising flour**</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1</span></span> cup <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">sugar</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">* <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You can halve the recipe<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> but do remember to use a smaller loaf tin. I use a 7x3.5 inch <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">loaf <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">pan.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">** To make 1 cu<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">p of self rising flour, add 1.5 teaspoon baking powder and <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">0.5 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of all purpose flour. <i>(<a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/homemade-self-rising-flour-recipe">http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/homemade-self-rising-flour-recipe</a>)</i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Directions:</b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Pre-heat the oven to 180 deg C. Grease and li<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ne a loaf tin.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Chop<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> the orange with the skin and puree in a blender.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Melt the butter.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Add all the ingredients to the orange pu<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ree in the blender and blend until you get a smooth, flowing batter.</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Pour into<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> the prepared loaf tin and bake in the pre-heated oven for 40-45 minutes or unt<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">il a sk<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ewer/toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Cool the cake for 10 minutes <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">before removing from tin<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> and serve.</span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
baker in disguisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03055149985884994250noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642223551650393945.post-52644633468916440852017-01-22T21:35:00.000+05:302017-01-22T21:35:31.841+05:30Pistachio Pound Cake With Strawberries And Cream<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you've read this blog for some time, you must know how much I love to work with recipes where the focus is on the fruit of the season. My first foray of baking with fruit began with Isidora Popovic's <i><a href="http://www.amazon.in/Popina-Book-Baking-Isidora-Popovic/dp/1845979648" target="_blank">'Popina Book of Baking'</a></i>. My very <i><a href="http://baker-in-disguise.blogspot.in/2012/01/dark-chocolate-and-strawberry-muffins.html" target="_blank">first recipe</a></i> on this blog came from that book. I was absolutely taken in by how the fruit added so much more to the flavour and freshness of my bakes. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I, then followed it up with Nigel Slater's <i><a href="http://www.amazon.in/Ripe-Cook-Orchard-Nigel-Slater/dp/1607743329/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1485098388&sr=1-1&keywords=nigel+slater+ripe" target="_blank">'Ripe : A Cook in the Orchard'</a></i>, a book that opened up a collection of recipes that paired fruit in sweet as well as savoury dishes. And my latest addition to this small collection is Yossy Arefi's <i><a href="http://www.amazon.in/Sweeter-off-Vine-Desserts-Season/dp/1607748584" target="_blank">'Sweeter off the Vine'</a></i>. Yossy is the voice behind the blog, '<a href="http://www.apt2bbakingco.com/" target="_blank"><i>Apt. 2B Baking Co</i></a>'. I adore everything about this Brooklyn based baker and photographer's blog..the recipes, the photography and now I'm completely taken in with her book. If you enjoy baking and somehow, haven't yet discovered her blog, I'd seriously recommend it. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULde2mR2UXiPxf7dofwHHfQhKrYPmHrzxfZX_Me3zO-o_yFJLPcv4iouCyMpHXd6WF4Jdtrq6EQ9CwvA48pH6Aq0QPp29sKBFoWpB2xKKt02G9g61VXxNVVnv7cqQaG5yC6cFqmJGO62S/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULde2mR2UXiPxf7dofwHHfQhKrYPmHrzxfZX_Me3zO-o_yFJLPcv4iouCyMpHXd6WF4Jdtrq6EQ9CwvA48pH6Aq0QPp29sKBFoWpB2xKKt02G9g61VXxNVVnv7cqQaG5yC6cFqmJGO62S/s1600/Picture1.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The season of fruits in India may differ from those in these books but each of the books mentioned above always has space for recipes that work with strawberries, the fruit currently in season. Out of all of the book's recipes with strawberries, I zeroed in on the pistachio pound cake that is paired with strawberries and cream. I do have my eye on the strawberry and campari ice pops but those will have to wait for the weather to get a bit warmer.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrLRP3L2fnQVvCz08i6s9SmFtU0hEXnaFiqqnTIt41stWLWfZ6h7n4oNfdUYrVMchKQ8gJCmYktADIrOmGlP9VPtlp2y_IRxStZosd5xNfq8XRYCLb0bbNYMM6Dyq14_sqaN583s11fgX/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrLRP3L2fnQVvCz08i6s9SmFtU0hEXnaFiqqnTIt41stWLWfZ6h7n4oNfdUYrVMchKQ8gJCmYktADIrOmGlP9VPtlp2y_IRxStZosd5xNfq8XRYCLb0bbNYMM6Dyq14_sqaN583s11fgX/s1600/Picture2.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I was intrigued by the pistachio pound cake. I have used almond meal in my cakes and have loved the depth and richness that it has given my cakes but have never worked with pistachios. And what an absolute delight this pound cake was. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Who doesn't love a good, hearty pound cake and the pistachios give it that something extra to stand apart from your regular pound cake. You can taste the pistachios but it is not overpowering at all. It just adds a lil something special to the wholesomeness of a pound cake.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYSCGW8TI6zj0Scu3Ow6IFU9HBJ_E8kCfcHryafav5R0WdkoF63EZlRHuJHyx8D9CpMFJGyLgJhE2Q6Q3xNS_fbeVoPjaH87gIFPjrr16FV7yld20MvSv91dVwRlE2FEe_rAPlWuAHzze/s1600/Picture4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYSCGW8TI6zj0Scu3Ow6IFU9HBJ_E8kCfcHryafav5R0WdkoF63EZlRHuJHyx8D9CpMFJGyLgJhE2Q6Q3xNS_fbeVoPjaH87gIFPjrr16FV7yld20MvSv91dVwRlE2FEe_rAPlWuAHzze/s1600/Picture4.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The recipe pairs thick slices of this cake with strawberries macerated in a lavender sugar and cream. While the idea of lavender sugar had me really excited, unfortunately I couldn't get my hands on it out here. So, I adapted by macerating the strawberries in vanilla and some liqueur. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Serving strawberries and cream with this cake immediately elevates it as an elegant dessert. However, if you don't want to serve it with strawberries and cream, I assure you that pound cake, warm out of the oven, with a cup of tea is still a winner.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT54HcV2kTKVLTUtA6qPliVVc13RnarJfhmsF4RyGA3YxIgt5z91oZYRljtddm8yGHHOJZeTcYsS_g_d02qaGTabK5Py6do23qgnR577zi0_GlueSKQQ3W6C4HCuBIUOHxu91kF4YzLGCO/s1600/Picture3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT54HcV2kTKVLTUtA6qPliVVc13RnarJfhmsF4RyGA3YxIgt5z91oZYRljtddm8yGHHOJZeTcYsS_g_d02qaGTabK5Py6do23qgnR577zi0_GlueSKQQ3W6C4HCuBIUOHxu91kF4YzLGCO/s1600/Picture3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Hope you all had a lovely weekend..xx!</span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ </i><b><i><br /></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Pistachio Pound Cake With Strawberries an<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">d Cream</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Recipe<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span>: <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yossy Arefi's 'Sweeter Off The Vine'<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">minimally adapted</span></span><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Makes one <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">9x5-inch loaf cake*. </span></span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1</span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span>cup<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> (130 gms) <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">shelled pistachios</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 1/2 cups (195 gms) all purpose flour</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon baking powder</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3/4 teaspoon salt</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3/4</span> cup <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">unsalted butter, softened</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">/4</span> cups (250 gms) <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">demerara sugar <i>(you can use regular white sugar)</i></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3 large eggs, at room temperature</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/2 cup (120 mls) whole milk, at room <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">temperature</span> </span></span></span><i> </i></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><b>For <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">strawberries</span>:</b></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">650 gms strawberries</span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">/4 cup <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">granulated sugar, or less if your<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> berries are sweet</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and seeds<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> scraped from the pod</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 tablespoon of chopped mint <i><b>(optional)</b></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Lightly sweetened whipped cream, to serve</span><i><b> </b></i></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">* <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You can halve the recipe<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> but do remember to use a smaller loaf tin. I use a 7x3.5 inch <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">loaf <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">pan.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Directions:</b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Preheat the oven to 1<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">65</span> deg C. Grease <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">dust a <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">9x5x3-inch loaf</span> tin.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To make the cake : Grind the pistachios in a food processor just until they rese<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">mble flour. I used the <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'p<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ulse' function of my food processor. Be c<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">areful to not grin<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">d the pistac<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">hios too long<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, else you will have pistachio butter.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Add <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the flour, baking powder and sal<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">t to the bowl of the food processor<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. Pulse until combined.</span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">a large bowl, beat the butter on medium high speed until smooth, then, with the mixer still running, slowly stream in the sugar.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Cream the butter and sugar together <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">until very light and flu<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ffy, about 5 minutes.</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Add the eggs one at a time, beating for 30 seconds after each addition. Occasionally stop <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing. Add th<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">e vanilla extract.</span></span> </span></span> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">With the mixer<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> on low speed, alternate adding the flour mixture and the milk to the batter in the three additions, mixing until just combined. Finish mixing the batter by hand with a rubber spatula. M<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ake sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to ensure even mi<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">xing.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Pour the batter <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">into the prepared pan, smooth the top and bake until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 45 to 55 minutes. Cool for 15 minu<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">tes in the pan, then remove the cake to <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">a rack to cool completely.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To make the strawberries<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> : <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hull and slice the strawberries. Combine the strawberries with the sugar and vanilla seeds<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> in a bowl and stir gently. Let the berries macerate for at least 15 minutes at room temperat<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ure before serving. Tip: <i>You can also add a tablespoon or two of your favourite liqueur such as limoncello or ora<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">n<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ge liqueur</span></span> to <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the strawberries.</span></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To serve: Slice the cooled cake into thick pieces and top each sli<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ce with a generous spoonful of berries and their juices. Top with whipped cream. </span> </span> </span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
baker in disguisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03055149985884994250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642223551650393945.post-25474516193385765942017-01-08T16:48:00.001+05:302017-01-08T21:46:50.506+05:30Orange, Fig And Cardamom Cake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Nothing like a new year to <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">start afresh with this blog. Last year was a non<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">descript year for me and yours truly <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">i</span>s more th<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">an ready to welcome the new year. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As for this blog, it seems that <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">all I managed was nine posts <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">for the whole of 2016. So, this year will be <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">all about getting all those posts floating around in my head onto this little space of mine. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And getting straight onto the job with a cake <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">that I baked this weekend. For some reason, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">a<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">lmost every<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> post in the latter half of the year was chocolate. So, am taking <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">a break from chocolate and <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">turning to my other love, baking with the fruit of the season. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAhfNep6tRYrPlZss3Fc0cTJvUed8L5sK-ILv3tJ_GLlfvBhkeIHx3QyDpP6SoQS6TX6WATfe85YmQWO2g6RsTwVlmDWeiOSOHbpaIgzV3-w2HkPQA_UqDTavWhPWYcca8kSoZbQwTBPN/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAhfNep6tRYrPlZss3Fc0cTJvUed8L5sK-ILv3tJ_GLlfvBhkeIHx3QyDpP6SoQS6TX6WATfe85YmQWO2g6RsTwVlmDWeiOSOHbpaIgzV3-w2HkPQA_UqDTavWhPWYcca8kSoZbQwTBPN/s1600/Picture1.png" /></a></span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">That would be figs and oranges today.<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> I found this cake in N<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">igel <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Slater's<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> '<a href="http://www.amazon.in/Ripe-Cook-Orchard-Nigel-Slater/dp/1607743329" target="_blank"><i>Ripe</i></a>', <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">his weighty ode</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">to</span> cooking with the frui<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">t in season. This is <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">essentially an almond cake<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, flavoured with oranges and car<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">damom <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">that has a layer of fresh figs<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, running through the middle of the cake. As the cake <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">bakes, the <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">figs cook into a <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">soft, jammy <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">consistency.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Once baked, a lemon and orange syrup is then poured on top of the hot cake. You will be tempted to give it a miss but don't. You will appreciate the citrus syrup whe<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">n you help yourself to a slice.</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94n8hJMgwncoXD7zX7kXYX_P1Fustqbbh-_DITMubaMyqLB8YfqcKJbqOdQ95FZlEfMMMxwEDTN8E9cnxUfTyrYUF1Bcz063eTD9-LIxJ5b9fqCxNxgaPtceTzGBo6OUb1Bpu9T64Bie4/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94n8hJMgwncoXD7zX7kXYX_P1Fustqbbh-_DITMubaMyqLB8YfqcKJbqOdQ95FZlEfMMMxwEDTN8E9cnxUfTyrYUF1Bcz063eTD9-LIxJ5b9fqCxNxgaPtceTzGBo6OUb1Bpu9T64Bie4/s1600/Picture2.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">cake does not score high on looks but cut yourself a slice and you will realise that all the drama is in <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the taste and t<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">e<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">xture of this cake.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This is a moist cake tha<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">t uses not only almond meal <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">but chopped almonds too and that gives it this nutty, grainy texture, very different from your regular cake. This is a cake where you must wait till it completely cools down or else you won't taste all the flavours that this cake promises. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On first taste, it<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'s the orange that will hit you <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">but later you will discern the cardamom as well as a hin<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">t of lemon from the citrus syrup. The cake looks so moist that I wondered if it was too sweet but turns out th<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">at the syrup in fact infuses it with extra citrus notes that balances out any fears on the sugar front. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Whist <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">figs are a <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">personal favou<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">rite, any other fruit such as strawberries or plums should work just as we<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ll.</span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span><br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJuLOZU8hFt1XslPKiEn3AqSK1G6I95GYTBoV01qKABQV3mXiMf7tAb9LaJs-M8tz3EuTvlY8ls7sh_jSlq9HQC0yNylsTYPBgVxiFIV8pq48sXRMu3XWID5dW67aRtOWSdrCfjgCL53n/s1600/Picture3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJuLOZU8hFt1XslPKiEn3AqSK1G6I95GYTBoV01qKABQV3mXiMf7tAb9LaJs-M8tz3EuTvlY8ls7sh_jSlq9HQC0yNylsTYPBgVxiFIV8pq48sXRMu3XWID5dW67aRtOWSdrCfjgCL53n/s1600/Picture3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As the new year st<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">arted, articles all over were about how we need to slow down<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, be mindful and move out of <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">our social media bubbles. I couldn<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'t agree more. So, here's to a new year, where you <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">make the time to <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">discover, connect, embrace <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and rejoice in life's simpler pleasures. <i>Happy <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">N</span>ew Year..x!</i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ </i><b><i><br /></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Orange, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Fig and Cardamom Cake</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Recipe<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span>: <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Adapted from Nigel Slater '<a href="http://www.amazon.in/Ripe-Cook-Orchard-Nigel-Slater/dp/1607743329" target="_blank">Ripe</a>'</span></span></b></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Makes one <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">6-inch</span> cake. Serves <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4-6</span></span><br /> </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/2 cup unsalted butter</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon demerara sugar </span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2 eggs</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">75 gms ground almonds</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">25 gms almonds, blanched, skin removed and chopped finely </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/2 cup flour</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon baking powder</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">finely grated zest and juice of 1 large orange</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">6 green cardamom pods </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3 figs</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span><i> </i></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><b>For <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">syrup</span>:</b></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Juice of one orange</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Juice of one lemon </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 tablespoon sugar</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Directions:</b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Preheat the oven to 180 deg C. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Line the tin with parchmen<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">t paper and grease the sides of the tin</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Beat the butter and sugar until light <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and fluffy.</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Add the almond meal and the chopped almonds to the mixture.</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Break the eggs in a small bowl<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, beat them lightly with a fork and stir them into the mixture. </span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Mi<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">x the flour and baking powder together, then fold them into the mixture together with grated orange zest and juice. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Crus<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">h the car<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">damom seeds with a mortar and pestle and add <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">to the cake mixture. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Cut the figs in quarters.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Tra<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">nsfer half of the cake mixture to the lined pa<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">n<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, add the figs as a layer and then add the remaining cake mixture and smooth the top level. The figs w<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ill appear as a moist layer towards the bottom of the cake. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Bake for thirty minutes and then turn do<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">wn the heat to 160 deg C and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cake i<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">s firm to touch and a skewer inserted should come out clean<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, without wet cake mixture sticking to it.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To make the syrup, squeeze the orange and lemon juice into a stainless steel saucepan<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. Add the sugar and brin<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">g to a boil<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Keep the liquid boiling for four or five minu<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">tes, until it has formed a thin syrup<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Spike holes into the top of <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">t<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">he cake (<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">still</span> warm and in its pan)</span></span> </span></span></span></span></span>with a skewer. Spoon over the hot citrus syrup. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Leave until almost cool, then lift o<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ut of the pan. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Serve in thick slices, by itself or with <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">some natural thick yoghurt. </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
baker in disguisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03055149985884994250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642223551650393945.post-4209492082700270302016-12-23T21:46:00.000+05:302016-12-23T21:46:25.889+05:30Ginger, Orange And Date Cookies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have been lazy.. ..plain lazy. I have all these posts in my head and that's just where they stay. All December I've been seeing these posts counting down to Christmas and told myself I have enough time to do all the posts I wanted to. And here I am two days before Christmas, scouring cookery books and websites for an apt Christmas dessert. We may not celebrate Christmas at home but it's always an occasion to take out the pretty plates and twinkly lights and raise a toast to the good times!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So, while I search for my Christmas dessert for the year, I made some cookies. Mama hinted two week back how she wouldn't mind if I baked her a batch of cookies to go with her tea. Of course, I procrastinated and finally with the Christmas inspiration all round, these cookies were thought of and baked this afternoon.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6iGmibET6NlJbW0YOCD4Lri87pGaDFIewp-DPskKzWbWs_32PNKFOrF57PHH85S1ee9YuSPA13pc2J0FicW528g_qxIQXB-_kUxf8B6VXxzHSlf_zc67aeY-PdbE2jpxfI3W0B2h4s6o/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6iGmibET6NlJbW0YOCD4Lri87pGaDFIewp-DPskKzWbWs_32PNKFOrF57PHH85S1ee9YuSPA13pc2J0FicW528g_qxIQXB-_kUxf8B6VXxzHSlf_zc67aeY-PdbE2jpxfI3W0B2h4s6o/s1600/Picture1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">These are simple eggless cookies infused with the flavours of the season. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I like the fact that the recipes uses fresh ginger as opposed to ground ginger. </span>When they first came out of the oven, they looked so nondescript that I wondered how I could jazz them up. But, taste them and you realise that these cookies need no help. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You will taste the ginger and the orange, and neither are overpowering. With the first bite, you might wonder if these cookies need a bit more sugar but once you encounter the dates,<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> it all makes sense</span>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwb-PrZIs7saSApzWL2JMugreTBW7Ciw2s0P5cMjpdIqqp4fZPKmf_Y0gLe3ykc2BDEAa6c6ocTCwIDpXPMdUSAu5uS3B5VrUVl42C6bdEI0ISbKaFeQTSsq_hQJ_XCgZFZBv7p02KS9XM/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwb-PrZIs7saSApzWL2JMugreTBW7Ciw2s0P5cMjpdIqqp4fZPKmf_Y0gLe3ykc2BDEAa6c6ocTCwIDpXPMdUSAu5uS3B5VrUVl42C6bdEI0ISbKaFeQTSsq_hQJ_XCgZFZBv7p02KS9XM/s1600/Picture2.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">These are not fancy show-off cookies. These are regular cookies to go with your daily cuppa. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And it helps that they hardly take any <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">time to put together. Although, when you buy the dates, bu<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">y the pitted ones, something I clearly did not check while buying them<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> myself<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">!</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGK-qmn52rXIJYR5LTc7nFII1sE4UGaXVuG_e3rXLIpUA_rTqldjBmCGZF16sDVytbnrEl7HD_lMkr4ZFrc5bhIjhiYTNVsP70pnlBEF0nP7W6Km5LRUebG7nzlt59MlDLlNCvO6X7Pea/s1600/Picture3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGK-qmn52rXIJYR5LTc7nFII1sE4UGaXVuG_e3rXLIpUA_rTqldjBmCGZF16sDVytbnrEl7HD_lMkr4ZFrc5bhIjhiYTNVsP70pnlBEF0nP7W6Km5LRUebG7nzlt59MlDLlNCvO6X7Pea/s1600/Picture3.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I think I have narrowed down my dessert for Christmas and hopefully I can get it done<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> in time, with a post to show for it. But, knowing my track<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> record with this blog this year, I<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> won<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'t say much till I get the post done<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, for sure<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. <i>So, fingers crossed!</i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But, what about everyone else? Anyone hosting a Christmas dinner or baking something special or any other special plans for the weekend? I'd love to he<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ar <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">about it</span>l!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>----</i></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </i><b><i><br /></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ginger, Orange and Date Cookies</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Makes 12 cookies</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/4<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span>cup<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> + 1 tablespoon unsalted butter<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, softened</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/4 cup deme<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">rara<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">/light brown musc<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">o</span>vado sugar</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">25 gms fresh ginger root, grated</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Finely grated zest of one orange</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> cup flour</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 1/2 <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">teaspoons baking powder</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">100 gms dried pitted dates, finely chopped</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2-3 table<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">spoons milk</span> </span></span><i> </i></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Directions:</b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Preheat the oven to 200°C. Grease and line a large baking sheet. Put the butter in a bowl with the sugar, ginger and
orange zest and beat well until combined.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Add the flour, baking powder and dates and using you hands, bring
together. The mixture will feel dry. Add 2 tablespoons of milk to the mixture to make a firm, slightly sticky dough. If it still not coming together, add half a tablespoon of milk till the dough comes together.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Divide the mixture into
12 balls, flatten each one slightly and place on the lined baking sheet.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Bake for 10–12 minutes until risen and pale golden. The cookies will
still feel soft but will firm up on cooling. Leave on the baking sheet
for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool.</span> </li>
</ul>
</div>
baker in disguisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03055149985884994250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642223551650393945.post-61253999476789899182016-11-05T19:42:00.001+05:302016-11-05T19:42:15.522+05:30Hibiscus And Mint Lemonade<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Where did the past few weeks go?!</i> While I try and get my head round that question, I hope you had a beautiful Diwali, with your friends and family. As many plans with this blog this year, my plan for my annual Diwali post fell by the wayside. But, I do hope you managed to take time out for the occasion<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As for the year, cooler nights are <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">here</span> and I <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">look forward</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">to</span> cooler days. I am a cold weather person. Maybe it helps that Winter never gets too cold in my part of the world. But, frankly I won't mind if it did get colder. I enjoy that crispness in the air that comes with Winter mornings. I am a different person in the Winters..more alive, more energetic and generally, more enthusiastic about life. And of course,<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> my commiserations to all those heading tow<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ards su<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">b-ze<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ro wea<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ther!</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEXSuoNXJ27l_jlV_WmmlWb5trcwOmdP-dgPy8XZ846vs_xVU6N7lxPn_D8g69Mzw7iQ2dNPSY8LZ7BRu0BKn1o5vDjBr1Ww6gmEbIjpnOugT1hnmNzzZ3Wtl_e0dZYhqAGv3CmAxXFbA/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEXSuoNXJ27l_jlV_WmmlWb5trcwOmdP-dgPy8XZ846vs_xVU6N7lxPn_D8g69Mzw7iQ2dNPSY8LZ7BRu0BKn1o5vDjBr1Ww6gmEbIjpnOugT1hnmNzzZ3Wtl_e0dZYhqAGv3CmAxXFbA/s1600/Picture1.png" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As I ease back into the blogging routine, which I hope I will be more regular at this Winter, I have a simple hibiscus lemonade that I tried my hand at over the Diwali weekend.<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">T</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">he days are still quite warm to warrant a glass of lemonade. And as<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">i</span></span>t<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span>happens that at this time of the year, the hibiscus trees are flowering and my little mint plant from last year is also thriving. So, you put the three together and you have this refreshing ruby coloured lemonade. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Essentially, you <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">brew</span> a tea of the fresh, hibiscus flowers which you then combine with a mint, lemon syrup to <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">make</span> this lemonade. It is essential that you have access to fresh hibiscus that are not sprayed <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">wi<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">th</span></span> any kind of pesticide. It would be better to avoid any hibiscus from the commercial market as they might run that risk. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJ9OSBSzhn87qikonqDpnpqrrBRyYS9awRN1Vy5m7xZmJwn3eo3CukisJLdTlv8sYLnZg1faOlKPoWPuUNECYMaOwhNPhSB6V-F4NhmiGCecMOCMK03UGePk5oxVAOwK2fqpa6lWJ4AMi/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJ9OSBSzhn87qikonqDpnpqrrBRyYS9awRN1Vy5m7xZmJwn3eo3CukisJLdTlv8sYLnZg1faOlKPoWPuUNECYMaOwhNPhSB6V-F4NhmiGCecMOCMK03UGePk5oxVAOwK2fqpa6lWJ4AMi/s1600/Picture2.png" /></a></div>
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The lemonade is well, lemony, minty and tastes of something else that I can only attribute to the hibiscus. If all your ingredients are fresh, you will be able to taste every component. And if you like, you could replace the water with some sparkling water to give it some fizz. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Which also brings up the question, why hibiscus lemonade? Well, it's a fun twist to jazz up your regular lemonade. Although, I am told that red hibiscus has tremendous therapeutic value, especially for its cooling effect on the body which would make it ideal for the warmer months. But, it still works for me as the days have not yet cooled down here. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi34q1xOSG5kD7EaSiKl5OBcxDg-7Y9yLGaik0cd6z3l4qGOhS4wD-D3S75oKRUumylpHMJt1AIU1zjIZiPylw1NGDgfsJVpKl29NkwQGz7nk2O0VRpjql08rx9pZvRPc45ntmby_rgiV_/s1600/Picture3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi34q1xOSG5kD7EaSiKl5OBcxDg-7Y9yLGaik0cd6z3l4qGOhS4wD-D3S75oKRUumylpHMJt1AIU1zjIZiPylw1NGDgfsJVpKl29NkwQGz7nk2O0VRpjql08rx9pZvRPc45ntmby_rgiV_/s1600/Picture3.png" /></a></div>
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Anyhow, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">this is</span> something small that I wanted to share with you as I mull over all that I want to do this Winter. I really hope I can get back to blogging more often. I really do miss this space..<i>I hope you've been well!</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;">
------------------------------------------------------<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><b>Hibiscus and Mint Lemonade</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Serves 2</span></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;" trbidi="on">
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Ingredient<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">s:</span></b></span></span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">10-12 red hibiscus flowers <i>(I used five petal red hibiscus variety that is used traditionally in India's Konkan region to make a similar drink)</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/4 cup sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 lemon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2 cups water</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1/8 -1/4 cup fresh mint leaves</span></li>
</ul>
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Directions: </span></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;" trbidi="on">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Remove the hibiscus petals from the flower and wash them. Only the
petals of the flower are used to make this lemonade.</span><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></b></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In a small saucepan, boil one cup of water. Once the water is boiling, remove from the heat, add the hibiscus petals and half of the mint leaves and cover the saucepan with a lid. Leave the petals to brew in the hot water for 20 minutes. The petals will lose colour and the water will have an insipid red colour. Don't worry, the colour will change once you add the lemonade.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">To the other cup of water, add the juice of one lemon (or two), rest of the mint leaves (torn and bashed) and 1/4 cup sugar. Stir until all the sugar dissolves. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">After 20 minutes of the hibiscus brewing, strain the liquid as well as strain the lemonade to rid it off all the mint leaves. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Mix the two (lemonade and hibiscus tea) and watch the colour change to a vibrant read.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Chill the lemonade completely and garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired, before serving. </span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
baker in disguisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03055149985884994250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642223551650393945.post-14426604653255787442016-09-10T17:00:00.000+05:302016-09-10T17:00:24.367+05:30Lemon And Yoghurt Ciambella <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The seasons are changing. It's been a good monsoon in my little corner of the world and I can now sense it's retreat. And this year, I have accepted every bit of the monsoon, without a word of complaint. I love the rains but there have always been spells before, when I said, enough, the rain need to take a breather. But, not this year. Not after that absolutely horrific and brutal Summer we had to endure. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So, yes I have accepted every mood and every spell of the rains. From days, when the sheer excess of it swept away all that it came in contact with to the day when, it teased us with a little drizzle with the promise of more to come. I have enjoyed seeing the landscape turn from that dried-out, parched shade of brown to that playful, vibrant shade of light green that speaks of revival to that dark, saturated shade of verdant green that tells you that the monsoon has kept its promise. Little, white flowers whose scent were a Summer evening's only retribution have made way for rich, vibrant flowers, all in time for the upcoming festive season. So yes, its been a good season and the seasons are now changing. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQv1_9YOZzrzm6kjsurvZXrpehU9tOXiiCR8Ht5y189_pWuz_14G49BBtYLaySfFJ2Rw94CLytf7_2TMIhVCX6Treqy-MHxW3Jd909oTC70O0_9vXocXxECOKR3pE6PbumLxDf95lk1jt/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQv1_9YOZzrzm6kjsurvZXrpehU9tOXiiCR8Ht5y189_pWuz_14G49BBtYLaySfFJ2Rw94CLytf7_2TMIhVCX6Treqy-MHxW3Jd909oTC70O0_9vXocXxECOKR3pE6PbumLxDf95lk1jt/s1600/Picture1.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But, whatever be the season, there's always time for some cake. And this time, it's a lemon cake. For no other reason, that all my recent posts after the Summer have been chocolate based and that needed to change. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This is a lemon and yoghurt cake, baked in a ring tin and then topped with a lemon, sugar drizzle. The recipe is by Donna Hay and it can't be simpler. You literally have to bunk all the ingredients in a bowl, stir and then put it to bake. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8vYp7JQFoa6B11642twqL5JAMUouR6wtxt6yIc_5YEMpS5GDJ5B9vmetIh96vxLugPmViRPy6SmJHFYC4gaSG9Z1cron7lUw7iFcPfKN_ye2hwOp7FzMIiSEmU5WcoAj5r4Xzxd8dqoL/s1600/Picture2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8vYp7JQFoa6B11642twqL5JAMUouR6wtxt6yIc_5YEMpS5GDJ5B9vmetIh96vxLugPmViRPy6SmJHFYC4gaSG9Z1cron7lUw7iFcPfKN_ye2hwOp7FzMIiSEmU5WcoAj5r4Xzxd8dqoL/s1600/Picture2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And no, you cannot ignore that drizzle. I know my photographs don't do it photogenic justice, but trust me, you can't leave it out. That's what ups the lemon quotient and leaves that twang in your mouth, the kind you are left with after say, a lemon tart. But learn from me and let the sugar dissolve, just a wee bit so that the juices release and its a more spreadable consistency.</span> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I've used demerara sugar as I now do with most of my baking and is the reason why my crumb is that shade of brown as opposed to a white crumb, if I had used regular sugar. Use whatever you have at home. I have used a bundt cake tin, but this cake can also be baked it a regular cake tin or even loaf tin.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Goes without saying, bake this cake only if you love lemons. Else, you are better off baking another cake.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9s4bGZHVyLhU4pUpL0t9VcAaiTCOgMKogc6o5TDKmpyfbesAq3G8ECeAOVGlfPFeZeNsck_Ly4nluxvATRVsSF15GDyHkeuJk466NA1YtPOub8iLkPY0IVwjGALEnT5-s8P3xDPO1gCf/s1600/Picture3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9s4bGZHVyLhU4pUpL0t9VcAaiTCOgMKogc6o5TDKmpyfbesAq3G8ECeAOVGlfPFeZeNsck_Ly4nluxvATRVsSF15GDyHkeuJk466NA1YtPOub8iLkPY0IVwjGALEnT5-s8P3xDPO1gCf/s1600/Picture3.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have called this cake a <i>'ciambella'</i>, that's Italian for a bundt cake. I could have called it a bundt cake but for some reason, I found the word ciambella (pronounced cham-bel-la) so evocative. You can just imagine the whole scene. One of the little villages along the Amalfi coast with its pastel coloured houses and the boats bobbing in the sea. The air is perfumed with the scent of lemons and while the catch of the day is being unloaded, you sit with your journal with a cup of coffee and a slice of this lemon ciambella. What a lovely way to start the day. Ohh..indulge a girl and her arm chair travels! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i>Have a beautiful weekend, wherever you are, all you lovely people!</i> </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ </i><b><i><br /></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Lemon and Yoghurt Ciambella</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Recipe<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span>: <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Donna <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hay, minimally adapted</span></span></b></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Makes one 24-cm fluted bundt cake. Serves 8-10</span><br /> </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3/4</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span>cup<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">vegetable oil</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2 eggs</span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">tablespoon finely grated lemon rind</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2 t<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ablespoons lemon juice</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 cup thick<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, natural yoghurt</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3/4</span> cups <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">superfine (caster) demerara sugar (you can use regular white sugar)</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2 cups self-raising flour<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">*</span></span></span><i> </i></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><b>For lemon frosting:</b></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3/4 cup r<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">egular<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, white granular sugar</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">/4 cup lemon juice</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">* For 1 cup of self raising f<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">lour, take 1 cup of regular flour and add 1.5 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Directions:</b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Preheat the oven to 180 deg C. Grease <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">dust a 24-cm fluted bundt cake tin.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Place the oil, eggs, rind, lemon juice, yoghurt and sugar in a bowl and whisk to combine. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sift over the flour and stir until smooth.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Pour the mixture into a greased 24cm fluted ring tin and bake for 35 minutes or until cooked when tested with a skewer. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While the cake is still hot (<i>wait for 5 minutes after you remove the cake from the oven</i>), remove from the tin and place on a plate. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To make the lemon frosting, gently stir together the sugar and lemon juice. You want the sugar to dissolve a little in the lemon juice to create a slurry but you still want the sugar granules to maintain their crunch and not dissolve completely.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Spoon over the cake and allow to set. Serve warm. </span> </li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
baker in disguisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03055149985884994250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642223551650393945.post-37475017707266179882016-08-15T16:18:00.003+05:302016-08-15T16:56:52.343+05:30Chocolate And Cardamom Scented Swirl Buns<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There's something about the Olympics that grips me every time. I don't have an athletic bone in my body and I have hardly played any sport. And it's not just about watching sports being played at the highest level that has me fixated on the Sports channels. It is about watching these athletes pursue a goal, in exclusion of everything else in life, with a single minded focus and dedication. That years of preparation and training, against all odds, to compete at the highest level comes down to a result that is determined within minutes or in some cases, seconds. While the exuberance of watching the champion succeed is special, it is even more inspiring to watch other athletes who face disappointment but pick themselves up to fight another day. Add to that,<i> </i>the personal stories of these athletes and the challenging circumstances they overcome to pursue their dreams and you are left with nothing but the highest respect and admiration. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's been a real bummer that because of the time difference with Rio, we haven't been able to catch all the events as they happen. The events I look out for are gymnastics, athletics, synchronised swimming, archery and shooting. <i>What about you??</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVhe2wQcxj9kXj-TusE1qd0O5D59Gt9Rpbbz-Zjsau1BlBVWoz0htwQk00FaMNc83SwyskrNXD72_N07SV4oboCsz61zynUZe4sBQhqIs092xRO-vw1S76B51h59PDWi1nACK6X7d5-fr/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVhe2wQcxj9kXj-TusE1qd0O5D59Gt9Rpbbz-Zjsau1BlBVWoz0htwQk00FaMNc83SwyskrNXD72_N07SV4oboCsz61zynUZe4sBQhqIs092xRO-vw1S76B51h59PDWi1nACK6X7d5-fr/s1600/Picture1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As for these swirl buns, they are a product of a rainy afternoon when staying in was the only option. <i>And afterall, is there anything more appropriate than a calorie loaded chocolate bun while watching these athletes perform with their beautifully toned bodies and washboard abs?!</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have been seeing these buns by <a href="http://www.donalskehan.com/" target="_blank">Donal Skehan</a> all over social media and had to give them a try. It helps that he has put up a video that explains the whole process in simple steps. It is a dough that is enriched with milk and butter that is then filled with a layer of dark chocolate and then twirled into these buns. The dough is flavoured with cardamom, in the tradition of Scandinavian breads, which pairs beautifully with the chocolate. The swirls and twirls all look a bit complex but see the video, it's actually quite simple!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJz9F4p4raFyVbTe7XJL8SidmylANvQXF7Aw-_v2DPGHe9TGLdNWU81X9sjZZHVYVwXTfTANXRL5K9EoeWPfA5WDT0bzg4BEsgINVMaOvkil69weW0to2HTlGmd6sZdL_4xvCxzdcLQ8T/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJz9F4p4raFyVbTe7XJL8SidmylANvQXF7Aw-_v2DPGHe9TGLdNWU81X9sjZZHVYVwXTfTANXRL5K9EoeWPfA5WDT0bzg4BEsgINVMaOvkil69weW0to2HTlGmd6sZdL_4xvCxzdcLQ8T/s1600/Picture2.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What comes out of the oven are these beautiful, soft cardamom-scented buns with that swirl of dark chocolate<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. And</span> despite all the issues that we have with metabolism, I insist that you should<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> make them</span>. And oh yes, do <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">eat them <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">warm, st<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">raight</span></span> out of the oven<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">!!</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i> </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>What could I have done better? </i>I could have shaped the buns smaller and more compact and since, I didn't have any eggs at home, I gave the buns, a cream wash rather than an egg wash which would have resulted in a more richer golden brown colour on them. Pointers for the next time, for I'll be definitely making these again.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtQQ6CXLliMTyZ0klxeTtGHvkIZLwtD_GtX5TRiLrut3JTetKKUF0U0q4_2nWW0G5l2MfAnr0YThI2SKOt-ph3fV2gGkoCdpe-zOxOJXJQHoams7mcR6cpnaFoQB8T5eKVXwYvvaFkcJG/s1600/Picture3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtQQ6CXLliMTyZ0klxeTtGHvkIZLwtD_GtX5TRiLrut3JTetKKUF0U0q4_2nWW0G5l2MfAnr0YThI2SKOt-ph3fV2gGkoCdpe-zOxOJXJQHoams7mcR6cpnaFoQB8T5eKVXwYvvaFkcJG/s1600/Picture3.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As for the Olympics, I think we all stayed awake at Midnight to watch Dipa Karmakar make history and show us the champion she is. <i>Happy Independence Day everyone..I hope you've enjoyed the long weekend..x!</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ </i><b><i><br /></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Chocolate <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and Cardamom Scented Swirl Buns</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Before you em<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">bark on the rec<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ipe, I <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">recommend that you w<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">atch Donal Skehan's video on how to make these buns. You will find the <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">v<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ideo <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XF6NTzw8fA" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Recipe link: <b><a href="http://www.donalskehan.com/recipes/chocolate-swirl-buns/" target="_blank">Donal Skehan</a></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Note: </b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I made half of the above recipe to m<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ake 6 buns. I could have made them smaller and got 8 buns. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></div>
baker in disguisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03055149985884994250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-642223551650393945.post-48022581140498762612016-07-21T20:30:00.001+05:302016-07-21T22:05:22.326+05:30Chocolate Chip Cookies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It was at the height of Summer, when the mind was too dis<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">tressed to indulge in any kind of <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">voluminous reading, that I picked up <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">th<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">is slim<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> book with a green cov<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">er and blue <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">edged pages. It was Ruskin Bond's latest and was simply titled, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.in/Book-Simple-Living-Ruskin-Bond/dp/819307100X" target="_blank">'A Book of Simple Living : Brief </a></i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.in/Book-Simple-Living-Ruskin-Bond/dp/819307100X" target="_blank">Notes from the Hills'</a></i>. I figured s<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ince I couldn<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'t make it to the hills<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, which in an ideal world I would escape to, for the three brutal months of Summer, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'd <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">find some comfort in Ruskin Bond's words that have always celebrated the<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> magic of the mountains. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And what an enchanting read it turned out to be. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The notes, most no more than a page, are written <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">with <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the author's trademark simpli<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">city, honesty <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">a certain child<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">like <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">wonder</span>. I simply let the words wash over me a<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">s he <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">wrote about life's simple joys and even simpler truths. Be it the <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">mountain view from his window<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> as the season chang<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">e <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">or the daisies growing out of <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the rocks or the memory of a past love or the sound <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">of a gushing mountain or simply, a sweet appreciation for the balm that solitude provides. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So that even on an <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">excruciatingly</span>,<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> unbe<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">arable Summer's afternoon, whilst stuck in an air-conditioned room, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">one was left with no option but to smile. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzw8F0ksiW7r3sn5bzuZs5fWEKaQX4fe5fWigckIAkCCR_MYCIGMLY9JbB0h-yRc86K-lRO3yrD4flOZL9LZHN4ddOc8wmc3WZAT-8wTWT8OqcSrbz9Pu_QOqduVPHosmchL8JUzDGWRL/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzw8F0ksiW7r3sn5bzuZs5fWEKaQX4fe5fWigckIAkCCR_MYCIGMLY9JbB0h-yRc86K-lRO3yrD4flOZL9LZHN4ddOc8wmc3WZAT-8wTWT8OqcSrbz9Pu_QOqduVPHosmchL8JUzDGWRL/s1600/Picture1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And then a few weeks later, I would come across his very first book, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.in/gp/product/0670088501/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=733112647&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0143330799&pf_rd_m=A1VBAL9TL5WCBF&pf_rd_r=024MVHX6WYPJFDJ6CAZT" target="_blank">'The Room on the Roof'</a></i>, a special illustrated edition to mark it's 60th anniversary. As he himself explains, the book was written by him<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, when in a foreign l<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and, terri<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">bly lonely<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, he wrote down all his memories of a time<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, wh<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">en egged <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">on by adolescent energy and rebellion, he broke off the shackles of autho<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">rity and propr<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">iety to embrace a world of <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">colour, ad<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">venture, angst, desire, excitement<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">envy, joy and a multitude of other emotions that <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">one grapples with at that age.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's interesting to place the <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">two books<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, side by side. One<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, as Bond puts it, is a <i>'book about adolescence </i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>by an adolescent'</i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, capturing the emotions of one, on the cusp of life. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The other is written by a man, who has j<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ust turned<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> eighty, sharing his secrets <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">of contentment<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, whilst acutely awar<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">e of his own mortality. What they both have in common is <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the honesty and simplicity that run through their pages <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">which has the ability to look you in the eye, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">prompting you to pause and look<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> within. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">With the two books, you are privy to one man's journey through life. And you are left with one of life's most enduring messages<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">.</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">T</span>hat to shrug off life's rancour, hostil<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ity and disappointmen<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">t and to arrive at <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">your</span> twiligh<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">t years with a twinkle in your eyes, a smile on your face<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> a<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">nd l<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">aughter in your voice, is <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">in <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">living in the moment, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">moving on from the past, building a bond with nature</span> and appreci<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ating life's smaller and simpler moments<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. Because as he writes, <i>"<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">H</span>appiness is a mysterious thing, to be found somewhere between too little and too much"</i>. </span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkgTh2hiJcPmjzXh0ELIXnl6S3u6HqGktqfeogQbJSj2TZ7I1xPKR4a6peM4I2lHci6wUBaq4JQcC56xL641NYpFEJaofjo96C3Zl2ruUeXMzKNE-2znL9-pamfQ1i_fF20TE1GV0ZwLG/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkgTh2hiJcPmjzXh0ELIXnl6S3u6HqGktqfeogQbJSj2TZ7I1xPKR4a6peM4I2lHci6wUBaq4JQcC56xL641NYpFEJaofjo96C3Zl2ruUeXMzKNE-2znL9-pamfQ1i_fF20TE1GV0ZwLG/s1600/Picture2.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And talking about the simple things in life are these chocolate chip cookies that I baked. Choc chip cookies are one of those baked goods that everyone bakes, everyone has a recipe of and everyone has an opinion on. I zeroed in on a recipe that has popped up in countless blogs, with each one saying this recipe met the brief for what they were looking for in a chocolate chip cookie. Why, it even won <i><a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/lindsayhunt/chocolate-chip-cookie-taste-test?utm_term=.edEWL9QMB#.fkXREO4W9" target="_blank">BuzzFeed's Chocolate Chip Cookie Taste-A-Thon</a></i> <i>(yes, they do have something like that!)</i>, fending off some serious competition.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The recipe is by Tara O'Brady, the voice behind the blog, <i><a href="http://sevenspoons.net/about-seven-spoons/" target="_blank">'Seven Spoons'</a> </i>and this recipe appears in her debut cookbook by the same name. What draws me most about the recipe is how fuss free it is. You don't need to bring the eggs and butter to room temperature. You don't even need a hand mixer, a bowl and a whisk will do just fine. Although what is non-negotiable is that you should use chopped up chocolate chunks instead of standard chocolate chips. You choose whether you want to rest the dough or bake them right away, although I'd recommend that you let the dough rest overnight.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Because, the cookies that will emerge from your oven have nothing to fault them with. They are slightly crispy, slightly chewy and those little islands of warm, melty dark chocolate have the power to set the world right. I don't like to use the term 'best ever' but let's just say, I reckon your search for a chocolate chip cookie recipe will end with this one. So, when you do get the time, give it a shot.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJr8CazGcJVqf4xGH1aMglnOaCnEEiuitA1ew-JSRLGM8moyUSg3zKTxdBAdfcReuAM9zKt4mutnhc6ZwH_viYf9xChJr0s5LOVLrGvzqhq5YCgCmgJKtm0noPznzC0if5hBDD0tVkDMU/s1600/Picture3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJr8CazGcJVqf4xGH1aMglnOaCnEEiuitA1ew-JSRLGM8moyUSg3zKTxdBAdfcReuAM9zKt4mutnhc6ZwH_viYf9xChJr0s5LOVLrGvzqhq5YCgCmgJKtm0noPznzC0if5hBDD0tVkDMU/s1600/Picture3.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Tom Alter, captured the essence of Ruskin Bond's work when he writes, <b><i>"Ruskin knew that life was not a childhood game, but he also knew that the game of childhood was the only way to survive life".</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ </i><b><i><br /></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Chocolate <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Chip Cookies</span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></i></span></span></span></b></span></span></b></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Recipe Source : <a href="http://sevenspoons.net/" target="_blank">Tara O'Brady</a>'s book '<a href="http://www.amazon.in/Seven-Spoons-Favorite-Recipes-Every/dp/1607746379" target="_blank">Seven Spoons</a>'</b></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>I made half of th<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">e recipe below <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and got 15 cookies.</span></span> </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span>cup<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> unsalted butter, chopped</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/4 cup <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">all purpose flour</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 teaspoon baking soda</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 1/2 teaspoons salt</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, tightly packed <i>(I used demerara sugar)</i></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/2 cup granulated su<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">gar</span></span><i> </i></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2 large eggs</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2 teaspoons vanilla e<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">xtract</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">12 ounces (340 gms) dark chocolate, chopped </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">flak<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">y salt, to finish <i>(I skipped it as I didn't have any)</i></span><i> </i></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Directions:</b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Preheat the oven to 180 deg C. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span>Melt the butter in a heavy bottomed saucepan over the lowest heat
possible, stirring occasionally. Take care that the butter does not
sizzle or bubble which means it's losing moisture.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and
salt. Set aside.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Pour the melted butter into a large bowl and whisk in
the sugars until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking until
just combined. Stir in the vanilla. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Use a wooden spoon or silicone
spatula to stir in the dry ingredients until barely blended. When things
are still looking a bit floury, stir in the chocolate until all of the
ingredients are just combined.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Roll the dough into balls, about 3 tablespoons each, and arrange them on
the prepared pans, leaving 3 inches between each cookie. (At this point
you can refrigerate the dough, loosely covered, overnight.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To bake, sprinkle each cookie with a bit of sea salt <i>(optional)</i> and bake until the
tops are cracked and lightly golden, 10-1<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">5</span> minutes, rotating the pan
halfway through. Cool on the pan for 2 minutes, the move to a wire rack
to cool completely.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To see <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">a pictorial step by step<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, you can head to this <i><a href="http://www.apt2bbakingco.com/home/2015/6/11/tara-obradys-chocolate-chip-cookies" target="_blank">link</a></i>.</span></span> </span> </li>
</ul>
</div>
baker in disguisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03055149985884994250noreply@blogger.com8