Basque Burnt Cheesecake
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Basque Burnt Cheesecake

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When it comes to baking, we are usually advised to be extra cautious not burn anything. But then there are always some exceptions.

This Basque burnt Cheesecake, invented nearly 3 decades ago in Spain belongs to the category of these “exceptions”.

I hadn’t known of this gem of a dessert for a long time. This may not be the most visually appealing dessert, but this is for sure one of the most delectable ones.

When I did plan to make this, I realised that I had run out of cream cheese. But I had to bake this, so what’s the solution- make your own cream cheese at home.

Basically in place of store bought cream cheese you can use homemade cream cheese and hung curd in the ratio 1:1.

For making the cream cheese, you would need equal parts of milk and cream, some lemon juice to curdle the milk- that’s it. Now let’s get straight to the main recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 250 grams homemade cream-cheese
  • 250 grams hung curd
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp orange zest
  • 180 grams sugar
  • 160 grams heavy cream or fresh cream
  • pinch of salt
  • 2 tbsp cornflour

Method:

  • Beat the cream cheese, hung curd and sugar until fully incorporated.
  • Add in the vanilla , salt and orange zest.
  • Next add in the eggs( one at a time) mixing well after each addition,
  • Add the cream and beat the entire mixture thoroughly.
  • finally add the corn flour and slowly mix one more time.
  • Once the batter gets ready, pour that in the prepared pan and bake at 190 degree C for arou8nd 50 minutes, till you see that burnt top.
  • Let it cool down completely and then take it out of the pan to serve.

Notes

  • If using store bought cream cheese, use 500 grams of that and skip the hung curd.
  • It’s better to use heavy whipping cream. If you can’t find that go ahead with fresh cream.
  • For lining the pan use sufficient baking paper so that you can take the cake out of the pan by lifting the baking paper. It’s better to use 2 layers of baking paper.
  • Make sure that the batter is completely smooth .

Hope you enjoy the recipe.

Eggless brown butter banana brownies
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Eggless brown butter banana brownies

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Chocolate brownies with a touch of banana and brown butter make for a delicious dessert.

Personally I am not a huge fan of bananas, the only time I like bananas is when they are hidden in desserts.

This is a quick and easy recipe. The only time you need to be extra careful is while browning your butter. Place the butter on medium or medium low heat so that it doesn’t burn . It would take 5-10 mins depending on the quality of the butter.

Also make sure to not overbake the brownies. It’s better to take these out at a little bit undercooked stage.

I have topped my brownies with some chocolate ganache. But you can eat these as it is or in fact peanut butter/ caramel would make for a great topping .

If using large bananas use 2 . For small bananas you would need 4.

You can use vanilla in place of butterscotch

Let’s have a look at the recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 3 medium bananas
  • 100 grams salted butter
  • 1 teaspoon butterscotch essence
  • 180 grams castor sugar
  • 45 grams all purpose flour
  • 50 grams whole wheat flour
  • 25 grams cocoa powder
  • 140 grams chopped chocolate
  • 70 grams of chopped cashews and hazelnuts
  • Chocolate ganache as needed to frost the brownies (optional)

Method:

  • First prepare the brown butter. For that heat butter on a medium flame. Let the heating process continues until you see a golden brown colour feel that nutty aroma. Let the butter come down to room temperature.
  • Mash the bananas in a bowl.
  • In a separate bowl whisk the butter and sugar until fully combined. Add in the butterscotch essence and the mashed bananas. Mix well.
  • Next goes in the flour, followed by cocoa powder. Fold the ingredients properly.
  • Finally mix in the chopped chocolate.
  • Bake these at 180 degree C for 20 to 25 minutes. ( It took me 23 minutes to make a batch.)
  • Top the brownies with some chocolate ganache or ice cream.

Hope you enjoy the recipe.

Eggless coconut almond cookies
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Eggless coconut almond cookies

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If you are looking for cookies that are not only delicious, but also super healthy, then you are at the right place.

And as is evident from the caption, these are eggless as well.

I have baked these the healthy way. But feel free to use refined sugar or all purpose flour while baking these.

This is a simple no fuss recipe, does not call for a large number of ingredients also.

A few things before jumping to the recipe:

  • Please make sure that all your ingredients are at room temperature- this is really important.
  • Preheat your oven properly before baking.
  • Chill the dough for around an hour so that the cookie dough gains some structure.
  • Roll out the dough by placing it between 2 baking sheets – this step makes the process smooth and easy.

Let’s have a look at the recipe now:

Ingredients:

  • 75 grams salted butter
  • 20 grams organic brown sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 35 grams coconut milk powder
  • 40 grams ground almonds
  • 55 grams whole wheat flour
  • melted chocolate for dipping the cookies ( optional)

Method:

  • Start by whisking the butter till it becomes smooth.
  • Add in the sugar and vanilla and mix untill properly incorporated.
  • Gradually fold in the dry ingredients.
  • Mix until everything comes together.
  • Wrap the dough in a plastic wrap and let it chill for 30 minutes at least.
  • Roll out the dough and use a cookie cutter or glass to cut out circular discs.
  • Bake in a preheated oven at 170 degree C for 10 t0 12 minutes till the sides start to brown.

Hope you enjoy the recipe.

Lagan Nu Custard
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Lagan Nu Custard

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Lagan nu custard is a traditional Parsi dessert . As the name suggests this luscious custard is prepared mostly during Parsi weddings ( “Lagan” translates to wedding, i.e. custard made as a part of the wedding feast ).

I got to know of this dessert through one of my friends. Being a huge fan of custards and puddings, I was pretty tempted to try this at home.

The process of preparing this custard is almost similar to other custards, the only difference being the fact that the cooked custard is baked instead of being steamed. Baking the custard renders this a firm texture.

The overall recipe is pretty basic. All you need is patience to prepare this delicacy.

Ingredients:

  • 450 ml Milk
  • 200 ml fresh cream
  • 55 grams sugar
  • 50 grams condensed milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tsp cardamom powder
  • 1 tsp nutmeg powder
  • Dry fruits chopped (optional)
  • a pinch of salt

Method:

  • In a pan add the milk and cream.
  • To this add the cardamom and nutmeg powder. Let the mixture come to a boil.
  • Add in the sugar and condensed milk and cook till the sugar melts and the mixture turns a little bit thick.
  • In the meantime in a separate bowl add in the eggs, vanilla and salt and give that a nice whisk.
  • Now add 1/4th of the milk mixture to the egg mix, whisking continuously.
  • After that add the egg and milk mix back to the pan.
  • Whisk the mixture properly and let it cook for another 5 minutes.
  • Pour the cooked mixture into a greased baking pan.
  • Bake the custard at 180 C for around 40-45 minutes.
  • Let the custard sit at room temperature. Decorate with some chopped nuts.
  • Chill the custard for 2 hours before serving.

Notes:

  • Once you add the egg mixture to the hot milk, whisk the mixture continuously or else the heat from the milk may end up scrambling the eggs.
  • Before baking the custard, taste for sweetness once. If you feel then add in more sugar.
  • Bake till the top of the custard turns golden brown.
  • If you want to skip the chilling part, you can serve the custard warm as well.

Hope you enjoy the recipe.

Cinnamon and dark chocolate cookies
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Cinnamon and dark chocolate cookies

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“Cookie a day keeps the sadness away”

Anonymous

Most of us will agree to this. Cookies indeed possess some kind of magical power. No matter how dull a day you are having, a chewy, buttery, chocolatey cookie dipped in some warm milk can fill your heart with immense joy and satisfaction.

These cookies are one of my personal favourites. The addition of cinnamon enhances the taste.

This is an easy recipe. All you need is some good quality chocolate apart from the basic ingredients.

Notes:

  • All the ingredients need to be at room temperature.
  • Maker sure you do not melt the butter, the butter has to be soft.
  • If you do not have brown sugar, you can use only castor sugar.
  • Sea salt is optional, but balances the sweetness perfectly.
  • Do not overbake the cookies. Bake these till the sides start to brown.
  • Chill the dough for a minimum of 2 hours. For best results chill the dough overnight.

Ingredients:

  • 70 grams salted butter
  • 50 grams castor sugar
  • 50 grams brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tsp cinnamon powder
  • 160 grams flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • chopped dark chocolate as needed
  • sea salt (optional)

Method:

  • In a bowl whisk the butter till soft and fluffy.
  • Add in the sugar and mix till well combined.
  • Add in the egg, vanilla and cinnamon. Beat well.
  • To the wet mix add the dry ingredients(FLOUR + SODA) in batches and fold gently.
  • Add 80% of the chopped chocolate at this stage.
  • Do not over mix. Once the dough comes together wrap in the cling film and let it chill for a minimum of 2 hours.
  • Take a spoonful of the dough, flatten a bit and add the reserved chocolate on the top.
  • Chill the cookie balls for 1o more minutes and bake at 170 C for 9-10 minutes.
  • Sprinkle some sea salt over the baked cookies.

Hope you enjoy the recipe.

One bowl whole wheat Fudgy brownie cups
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One bowl whole wheat Fudgy brownie cups

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This fudgy and delicious brownie cup is a show stealer and can be whipped up literally in minutes. And this is an easy one bowl , no fuss recipe.

This batch of brownie cups is perfect for those times when you need a quick chocolate fix, but do not want to spend much time in making that.

As the recipe name suggests , this batch of brownies has been made with whole wheat flour which I assume is readily available. If you can find almond flour or oat flour, feel free to use that. I have used brown sugar in the recipe, you can use castor sugar as well.

Notes:

  • Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature.
  • Please use a good quality chocolate, makes a lot of difference.
  • You can make this in a square pan as well.
  • Sift the cocoa powder before adding in.
  • If using unsalted butter, add a teaspoon of salt.

Now let’s have a look at the ingredients and method.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup melted and cooled salted butter
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1/2 cup minus 1 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
  • 3/4rth cup minus 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 cup chopped dark chocolate.

Method:

  • In a microwave safe bowl, melt the butter. Let it cool.
  • Add in the oil, sugar. Combine well.
  • Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Next goes in the vanilla.
  • In batches add the whole wheat flour and cocoa powder. Gently fold the flour mix.
  • Once everything had combined, add in the chopped dark chocolate.
  • Add the batter in a cupcake tin lined with cupcake liners and bake in a preheated oven aat 180 degree C for around 15 minutes.

And the brownie cups are ready. Enjoy these with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Brown butter chocolate chip cookies
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Brown butter chocolate chip cookies

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Life is better with fresh baked cookies –

Anonymous

I completely relate to this quote. There is something special about home baked cookies. And the best part is they aren’t that difficult to bake as well.

Today I will be sharing the recipe of these brown butter cookies.

Do not get confused on hearing brown butter. It is just normal butter cooked over medium heat till it reaches the brown colour. Brown butter imparts a nutty flavour to the cookies and takes these to the next level.

I have used a combination of whole wheat flour and all purpose flour in this recipe. You can use either of the two if you want. Whole wheat flour makes this a healthier version.

Also for the sweetener I have opted for organic brown sugar since it goes really well with the brown butter and also is much healthy as compared to granulated sugar. But If you do not have brown sugar feel free to use normal granulated sugar.

Since chocolate is the star ingredient here, I would recommend using a good quality dark chocolate. If you can source sea salt then please sprinkle that on the top of the baked cookies, makes a lot of difference.

Now let’s have a look at the ingredients and the recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 90 grams unsalted butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 90 grams whole wheat flour
  • 70 grams all purpose flour
  • 120 grams brown sugar
  • 150 grams chopped dark chocolate
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • A pinch of sea salt

Method;

  • For the brown butter, cook the butter over medium heat till it becomes brown in colour. Take it off the heat and let it cool for sometime.
  • Once it has cooled down whisk together the butter, sugar and vanilla till soft and fluffy.
  • Break in the egg and give it a nice whisk.
  • In another bowl sift together all the dry ingredients and gently fold that into the mixture.
  • Lastly add in the chopped chocolate.
  • Now wrap the dough and put in the refrigerator for around 3 to 4 hours.
  • Then scoop out small portions of the dough onto the baking tray and bake for 10-12 minutes at 170 degree C.

** Make sure that the ingredients are at room temperature.

Hope you enjoy the recipe.

Eggless Chocolate cookies
Baking

Eggless Chocolate cookies

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“Cookies makwe the world a better place.”

Miranda Ingram

And these are hard to resist as well. I mean how can one ever say no to these eggless chocolate cookies.

Apart from being eggless , this recipe also does not need the use of cocoa powder.

Sounds perfect, right?

This is a super simple recipe, doesn’t call for too many ingredients. I have used a little bit of cream cheese in this recipe. But don’t worry if you cannot find cream cheese as you can make it at home anytime.

For making cream cheese at home, boil cream and milk in the ratio 2:3. Add lemon juice or vinegar , strain the cheese. Put the cheese along with some salt in a food processor so that it becomes completely smooth.

Since chocolate is the star of this recipe, please use a good quality chocolate bar.

I have used brown sugar, you can use normal granulated sugar as well. Also you can use normal salt in place of sea salt.

Let’s have a look at the recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 60 GRAMS SOFT UNSALTED BUTTER AT ROOM TEMPERATURE
  • 35 GRAMS CREAM CHEESE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE
  • 70 GRAMS BROWN SUGAR
  • 50 GRAMS MELTED DARK CHOCOLATE
  • 100 GRAMS ALL PURPOSE FLOUR
  • 1/2 TSP BAKING SODA
  • 1 TSP VANILLA
  • 1 TSP SEA SALT
  • SOME MILK CHOCOLATE CHUNKS (OPTIONAL)

Recipe:

  • In a bow whisk the butter and cream cheese till soft and fluffy.
  • Add the sugar and mix till well combined.
  • Now add in the melted chocolate, vanilla, sea salt and mix well.
  • In another bowl sift the flour and soda. Add the dry mix to the wet ingredients and fold gently.
  • At this stage fold in the chocolate chunks and wrap the dough. Let it chill for around 2 hours.
  • With a spoon or ice cream scoop form balls from the dough and put them on a baking tray.
  • Bake the cookies at 180 degree C for around 9-10 minutes.

And your cookies are ready. Enjoy these with a cup of milk

Gluten free eggless chocolate chip cookies
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Gluten free eggless chocolate chip cookies

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A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand

Barbara Johnson

This quote is perfect, isn’t it?

These gluten free and refined sugar free chocolate chip cookies will surely balance your diet.

Since the last couple of days I have been experimenting with some gluten free recipes. The thing about gluten free recipes is that once you get comfortable with a flour combination, you can use that in place of all purpose flour in many recipes.

But it might take you some time to figure out the combination that suits your taste buds.

In this recipe I have used almost the same flour combination as I had used in the gluten free brownies. You can use normal castor sugar but since I wanted to avoid that I have used honey and organic brown sugar.

Now since chocolate is the star of this recipe please use a generous amount of chocolate.

This being a gluten free, refined sugar free recipe, Chocolate plays a very important part here. So make sure you use the best quality available.

I have used chocolate ganache along with chocolate chips to make it extra chocolaty. The ganache part is completely optional though. But if you have time then please follow that extra step.

Let’s have a loom at the recipe now.

Ingredients:

  • 25 grams oat flour
  • 25 grams whole wheat flour
  • 10 grams almond flour
  • 10 grams cocoa powder (optional)
  • 10 grams ground cashew nuts
  • 1/4rth tsp sea salt
  • 1/4rth tsp baking soda
  • 3 tbsp organic brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 tbsp oil
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 30 grams chopped dark chocolate
  • 15 grams fresh cream
  • chocolate chips as needed.

Instructions:

  • Combine all the dry ingredients, i.e. the flour, salt and soda.
  • In another bowl mix the oil, vanilla, honey, milk and sugar and add this mixture to the dry ingredients.
  • add the chocolate chips and mix well till a dough is formed.
  • Wrap the dough in a cling film and let it chill for 2-3 hours.
  • In the meantime heat the cream and pour that over the chopped dark chocolate. Let it rest for an hour or 2.
  • Take out the cookie dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature till it softens a bit.
  • Make small balls and add a teaspoon of ganache in the centre of each dough.
  • Flatten the balls a little bit and bake in a preheated oven at 180 degree C for around 7-8 minutes.

Since this was a trial recipe I have used smaller quantities. This recipe will make around 8-10 cookies. You may scale up the recipe.

Hope you like it.

Cheesecake Galette
Baking · Food · Uncategorized

Cheesecake Galette

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Galette is a term used in French Cuisine to address different types of flat, round or freeform crusty cakes. It is a lot similar to pies, only difference being that it’s much simpler and equally delicious.

Normally galettes are filled with a berry filling and those are just delicious. But you can take this rustic berry pie to the next level by using a luscious cheesecake filling.

And since I am obsessed with cheesecakes, I like incorporating these in other desserts.

For this recipe I have used vanilla flavoured cheesecake for the filling, but you can add in any flavour.

This is an easy recipe overall, you just need to keep a few things in while preparing the galette.

  • Make sure the butter is cold. For that cut the butter in cubes and chill the butter in the freezer for around 40 minutes before using.
  • Please be quick while preparing the dough as the butter can easily melt.
  • Start by adding 1 tbsp water, add more if needed.

Lets have a look at the recipe now.

Ingredients:

Galette:

  • 150 grams maida or all purpose flour
  • 100 grams cold cubed butter
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2-3 tbsp ice cold water

Cheesecake filling:

  • 250 grams cream cheese
  • 30 grams fresh cream
  • 100 grams castor sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 eggs
  • Fresh fruits for topping

Recipe:

  • Sift the flour and salt. Add in the sugar and combine properly.
  • Add the cold and cubed butter into the flour mix and rub the butter into the flour. Continue till everything is well combined. You can also use a food processor for this step.
  • Now add the ice cold water till the dough comes together.
  • Flatten the dough, wrap in a cling film and refrigerate for an hour.
  • For the filling whisk the cream cheese till it becomes smooth.
  • Add in the cream and give it nice mix.
  • Gradually add in the sugar and beat the mixture till well combined
  • One by one add the eggs, mixing well after each addition.
  • Lastly add the lemon juice, salt and vanilla.
  • In a parchment paper roll out the galette dough into a circle.
  • Put the rolled out dough in baking tray or tin.
  • Pour the filling.
  • Bake for around 30 minutes at 190 degree C.

Hope you enjoy this.