…ons change drastically before you actually get to see the ripened aromatic fruits. The mango is a delicate fruit and if there is a storm or heavy rain when the mango flowers have just appeared or when the fruit has just started developing then there can be a major loss of precious fruit. The raw mangoes are then collected and put to good use depending on the size of the raw fruit. There are so many varieties of mangoes. Some are valued for their s…
…baking pan; roughly arrange alternate layers of bread pieces with jam, dry fruit, nuts and milk mixture. Sprinkle the aromatic sweet spice powder in between layers. After each layer, use the back of a spoon to gently press down to compress and help the bread to absorb the milk mixture. Allow the mixture to soak and settle down for about 5 minutes. Cover with aluminium foil and bake in a pre-heated oven at 200C for 45 minutes. Insert a wooden skewe…
…use canned or ready pulp sold in the market if you are unable to get fresh fruit but fresh seasonal fruits are the best. Using juicy mangoes may turn your ice cream crystalline. To enjoy smooth and creamy ice cream always use creamy milk and thick cream. It also helps the ice cream to be firm and solid. Remember ripe mangoes are very sweet so adjust and add sugar accordingly. Serve ice cream in chilled cups and bowls to ensure that it does not mel…
…g and preservation. It is the pectin in ripe guavas which helps the cooked fruit to set into jam, jelly and cheese. Guava cheese has the firmness of regular cheese and when cut resembles a wedge or slice of cheese hence the name Guava Cheese. I have fond memories of Guavas and Guava Cheese and I’m sure many of you may share the similar sentiment. We had quite a few guava trees in my maternal home which bore red guavas. Do you remember when you enj…
…ins, sultanas, ground almonds and cherries are mainly used to prepare this fruit loaded cake. The true beauty of this cake is the decoration of blanched and peeled whole almonds arranged beautifully in tight concentric circles. This pattern of studded almonds looks elegantly pretty. When you slice the cake, it looks gorgeous within. The lovely red glace cherries and the dark fruit look like jewels. The sweet glaze brushed on top of the cake makes…
…h is basically the dried peels (skins) of the Kokum fruit. The fresh Kokum fruit juice is very popular as a refreshing summer drink but can be enjoyed & relished throughout the year. The dried peels or Kokum/ Amsol/Solan are stocked with salt as a preservative & few peels are used as & when required throughout the year in all major cuisine of Goa. They are dark pink in color, tangy with sour taste but very rich in Vitamin C. They lend…
…bis, assorted barfis /burfis, neuris, karanjis, murukkus, chakli, assorted fruits and above all the favorite sweet of Ganapati Bappa… Ukadiche Modak. You won’t believe this! Each household would bring modaks to distribute as prasad on the day assigned for it. We had many neighbors who celebrated and I was so lucky to get to enjoy and relish this beautiful sweet modak prepared with their special touch. Well, today all this community event celebrati…
My fruit basket often has bananas. There are times when you find the bananas have turned ripe or overripe and are still sitting in the fruit basket on the kitchen counter or dining table and you just keep wondering what to do with them. Yes, you can use them in your pancakes, smoothies, shakes, bake a banana cake, banana bread, pies, tarts or make a pudding. If you want to see them disappear quickly then just convert them into a wholesome and in…
…hew nuts. Almond Paste is mostly used as a base coat for a Madeira or Rich Fruit Cake. Marzipan is a pliable mixture of ground almonds or ground cashew nuts, confectioner’s sugar, egg white and lemon juice. It is referred to as almond paste. Marzipan can be a cooked or an uncooked paste. It can be colored with food colors and moulded into different shapes for decoration. For a sweet aromatic taste; essences, extracts or rose water is used in the m…
…ing Besan Ladoo, Rava Ladoo, Motichoor Ladoo, Dink Ladoo, Wheat Ladoo, Dry Fruit Ladoo, etc. where each is unique, special and irrestible. 🙂 Ladoos are handy to serve unexpected guests, great travel food and excellent in tiffins. Healthy to enjoy at break time, wonderful as a no mess dessert and helps satiate that urge of eating a sweet after your meals and a favorite with kids. Ladoos do make super gifts too. How can one overlook a big dabba full…