Coconut Ice cream

Want to beat the heat by making an ice cream in 10 minutes??

Here is how you do it.

Ingredients:
1 cup whipping cream
1 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp grated fresh coconut

Method:
1. In a big bowl, mix coconut milk, cream and sugar. Whip this mixture lightly for 2-4 minutes on low speed until the size doubles. Make sure the mixture is smooth and the cream doesn't thicken too much.
2. Add the grated coconut and fold it gently in the whipped mixture.
3. Set this batter to set in the fridge for 2 hours at least, overnight is better.

Beat the heat and get a refreshing kick from the tropics!

Zabaglione

It's a classic Italian dessert that I love and I can have it any day and anytime of the year!
Eggs, sugar and cream - what else do I need to think of for a heavenly dessert.

Ingredients:
3 egg yolks
6 tbsp sugar
Some pure vanilla extract
1 cup double cream

Method:
1. Whip the cream with some vanilla essence and 3 tbsp sugar until it forms stiff peaks. Set aside in the fridge.
2. Keep a large pot of water to boil. Set the flame such that it gently steams.
3. In a separate bowl, lightly mix egg yolks, remaining sugar and some vanilla extract.
4. Cook this mixture while constantly whipping over the gently steaming water bath.
5. It will take about 3-5 minutes to cook. It should be a smooth running, pale yellow mixture.
6. Immediately immerse the bowl in ice cold water while still whipping to cool the eggs completely.
7. Gently fold the egg mixture in the whipped cream and transfer to individual bowls.
8. Set aside to set in the fridge for at least at hour.

Serve it on crushed butter cookies and to with some roasted grapes. That's what I did for my Greek Dinner Party :)
Enjoy!

Dates-Cashews cake

Want decadent dates for a fancy date! You should try this dates and cashews cake - small, cute - perfect for two. Makes valentine day extra special while keeping your new year resolution still on track! :)
It tastes delicious warm as well as at room temperature.

Ingredients:
1 egg
50gm All purpose flour
50gm brown sugar
1/2 tbsp dark cocoa
4 tbsp butter
1 tbsp clarified butter(or regular butter if you cannot find clarified butter)
2-3tsp Baking powder
Some Baking Soda(aprox half the qty of baking pwd)
1/4 cup chopped cashews
1/3 cup chopped dates
Pre-heated oven to 325F

Method:
1. Mix the flour, sugar, cocoa, nuts, dates, baking powder and baking soda in a bowl.
2. Add the melted butters and egss to the flour mixture and mix well.
3. Transfer the batter into two pre-greased 4" mini springform pan.
4. Bake at 325F pre-heated oven for about 25-30min.

Serving suggestions: Sprinkle raw cane sugar crystals on top for last 10 minutes and bake.
Serve in a heart shaped mould with chocolate sauce drizzled on top or just as is with nice hot tea as breakfast in bed. After all it just take 35 minutes to make it ;)

  --> this is how you can store and pack for picnic at the beach!

Mango cakes with cranberry-OJ sauce

There is nothing more festive than eating a cake Flambéed right at the table - creating a drama and sensation that everyone loves during Christmas!
Here is my version of a little healthier version of a mango cake that is delicious, satisfies the appetite for a bit of theatrics and is great for entertaining any time of the year!

Ingredients:
Cake:
1 egg
50gm All purpose flour
50gm regular cane sugar
4 tbsp butter
5-6 tbsp pure mango pulp(recommendation is canned Alphonso pulp)
2tsp Baking powder
Pre-heated oven to 325F

Sauce:
1/2 cup cranberries(fresh or frozen)
1 orange zest
1 orange juice
1/4cup sugar
1 star anise

Flambé:
1 cup Bourbon or liquor of your choice
Lighter

Method:
Cake:
1. Mix the butter and sugar in a bowl until sugar is well incorporated.
Note: If your butter is right of fridge or freezer, then melt it for a few seconds in microwave. The consistency should be runny and white, it shouldn't be too warm. Then you can proceed with mixing sugar to it.
2. Now add mango pulp and mix well until incorporated in the batter.
3. Now add 1 egg and mix well until incorporated in the batter.
4. Add flour and baking powder and then mix well until incorporated in the batter.
5. Final step - pour the batter in two 4" by 1.75" pans for two small cakes OR one  4" by 1.75" for one thicker cake.
6. Bake at 325F for ~20-30 minutes. Insert a toothpick and check if it comes out clear. At that point your cake is done.

Sauce:
1. Bring all the ingredients to boil and reduce in a sauce pan on low heat. It should take about 5-7 minutes once it comes to a boil.

Flambé:
1. Warm 1 cup of Bourbon or Cointreau. Transfer the liquor in a bowl.
2. Bring the bowl to the table and ignite the liquor surface with a lighter.
3. Pour half of the liquid flame on the cakes.

Enjoy the show and savor the cakes!