Soni's Food

Indian Inspiration!

Ricotta Cardamom Fudge #Diwali

10 | 11 | 2015
By Soni Sinha

Our biggest festival Diwali (festival of lights) is just a day away and I’m excited!Its the time when you decorate your home with Diyas (earthern lamps)and candles.I love selecting the diyas from our local Indian stores and they come in various shapes and colors.Diwali is the festival of lights and as such homes are lit up inside and out with colorful lights.Colorful rangoli patterns adorn the entrance of homes for good luck.It’s all such a pretty sight.Coincidentally schools are also closed tomorrow and I’m so happy that my kids get to celebrate Diwali and help me out with things.Our kitchen is going to be busy and I’m looking forward to some festive cooking!

Ricotta Cardamom Fudge

Festivals are also the perfect excuse to indulge in those sinfully delicious foods both sweet and savory and enjoy them to your heart’s content.I try and recreate recipes from Mom’s repertoire like this one and the one I have for you today. It’s an easy fudge (burfi in Hindi) made with Ricotta (Mom uses paneer) and flavored with Green Cardamom and Saffron. If you’re familiar with Indian desserts you’ll notice that green cardamom is used extensively and I personally love the flavor.Just use it sparingly since a little bit goes a long way.

Ricotta Cardamom Fudge (Ricotta Burfi)

It comes together in minutes and tastes phenomenal.The Ricotta is cooked in a pan along with some condensed milk, cardamom and saffron until all the moisture evaporates and then cooled off to set.Once set just cut it into desired shape and you’re good to go.You can store it in the fridge and it stays good for upto a week.The fudge is rich and creamy and flavors from the saffron and cardamom comes through.Its reminiscent of the treats back home from the sweet shops and is perfectly sweet just the way I like it.Enjoy!

“Wishing you all a very happy Diwali”

Ricotta Cardamom Fudge

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Ingredients
  

  • 1 tub Ricotta Cheese- 425 gms
  • 1 can of Sweetened Condensed Milk- 14 oz
  • 2 Green Cardamom crushed
  • Few Saffron strands
  • Sliced almonds for garnish
  • Ghee or unsalted butter-2 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • In a pot heat the ghee/butter.
  • Add the ricotta and condensed milk.
  • Mix well and keep stirring on low heat for about 15 minutes.
  • Add the saffron strands and cardamom.
  • Mix and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes until all moisture evaporates.
  • Line a dish with parchment paper long enough to let the ends stick out.Pour the mixture onto the parchment paper and let it cool for a bit.
  • Lift the edges of the parchment paper and empty it upside down on to a tray.
  • Cut into desired shape.
  • Garnish with sliced almonds and some crushed cardamom.
  • Enjoy.

 

 

Olive Oil Cake

01 | 10 | 2015
By Soni Sinha

Life is all about enjoying simple pleasures.

Like this simple cake..

I started making this cake as I was craving for something sweet.But little did I expect that my kids would be raving and going for seconds since it’s a tad different from the cakes that they’re used to.This cake uses Olive Oil instead of butter and going by the response in our family it certainly looks like a new favorite!

Olive Oil Cake

Olive Oil Cake is a easy dessert that uses ingredients you have on hand..I first thought this cake would have a strong Olive oil flavor but it has just a slight hint of the Olive Oil along with the vanilla and tastes delicious.Its perfectly moist and fluffy.I’ve kept it simple although you can make different variations using lemon or orange.I followed this recipe except for the orange juice and zest since I didn’t have any at hand and it still turned out perfect!A little sprinkling of powdered sugar is all you need to dress it up.

Olive Oil Cake 1

Enjoy it as a light snack or dessert with your cuppa!As for me I’ve just made a bigger batch since my kids wanted it for their school snack too.Happy Mom 🙂

Olive Oil Cake

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Ingredients
  

  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Confectioners' sugar for dusting

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Grease and flour a 9-inch square cake pan. Mix together the sugar and eggs in a medium bowl with a hand mixer on medium speed until blended and light.
  • Drizzle in the olive oil and vanilla and mix until light and smooth.
  • Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in another bowl.
  • Add the flour mixture half at a time to the wet ingredients and mix on low just to bring it together.
  • Pour into the prepared cake pan and bake, 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Let the cake cool 15 minutes, dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve.

Magic Cake

05 | 03 | 2015
By Soni Sinha

I finally did it.

I made the Magic Cake. And I ate it.

And I almost ate all of it.

Had to stop myself since I was taking it to a friends’ for a potluck. Not to mention it was a hit with everyone and even the kids gave it a thumbs up. I’ve been drooling at the pics on the web for many many months and being a big custard lover I’ve always wanted to make this.

Magic Cake 3

 

I have to warn you though.Its addictive.

Highly addictive.

Magic Cake 2

The magical layers that hit you as you take a bite.First the semi soft layer at the bottom followed by the custard in the  middle followed by the firm and slightly golden top layer.Its an amazing dessert and so super easy!The best part is that it only requires one simple batter and the magic happens once its in the oven.The three layers form as the cake bakes on a low temperature setting beautifully.Once cooled cut in into desired squares and enjoy this indulgent treat to your heart’s content.I followed this recipe from Jo Cooks and it turned out just perfect!

Magic Cake

Magic Cake

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Ingredients
  

  • 4 eggs separate yolks from whites at room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 150 g 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 stick or ½ cup butter melted
  • ¾ cup of all purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk lukewarm
  • powdered sugar for dusting cake

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 325 F degrees. Grease a 8 inch x 8 inch baking dish.
  • Separate eggs and add the egg whites to a mixer and mix until egg whites are stiff. Place egg whites in a bowl and set aside.
  • Beat the egg yolks with the sugar until light.
  • Add butter and vanilla extract and continue beating for another minute
  • Add the flour and mix it in until fully incorporated.
  • Slowly add the milk and beat until everything is well mixed together. Add the egg whites, a third at a time and gently fold them in using a spatula, repeat until all egg whites are folded in.
  • Pour batter into baking dish and bake for about 70 minutes or until the top is lightly golden. The baking time could vary depending on the oven, so take a look at around 40 minutes and see how it looks.
  • Sprinkle some powdered sugar after cake has cooled and cut into squares.
  • Enjoy.

 

Chocolate Chip Blondies

17 | 12 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

Its the Holiday season and the web is brimming with all kinds of decadent desserts.I only just realised that I haven’t posted a dessert in sometime and decided that now’s the time to do it.My six year old loves Blondies and I’ve promised him a dozen times that I’m going to make them for him.Hence Blondies are on the blog today!

Chocolate Chip Blondies

This is the first time I’ve attempted Blondies and they came out pretty darn good.My kids love anything with chocolate chips in it so I naturally went for chocolate chip blondies.Made for a delicious after school treat for my kids and they loved it.

Chocolate Chip Blondies 1

Blondies also make for great holiday gifts at this time of the year and are super easy to make.I love recipes that use staple pantry items and this recipe is one where you do not have to rush to the stores to get the ingredients.The Blondies are slightly chewy yet firm, perfectly sweet from the brown sugar and the chocolate chips in every bite makes it just the treat to go with your warm cuppa.

Chocolate Chip Blondies

Chocolate Chip Blondies

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Ingredients
  

  • 1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup butter melted
  • 2 eggs lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon Baking Powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup 6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, butter, eggs and vanilla just until blended.
  • Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to brown sugar mixture.
  • Stir in chocolate chips.
  • Spread into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan.
  • Bake at 350° for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
  • Cut into bars.

Source:Taste of Home

Healthy Pumpkin Coconut Squares

13 | 10 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

You might be thinking that I’m on a Pumpkin high these days.And to be honest I am.Right from the savory to sweet, I just can’t seem to get enough of Pumpkin.And that is why ‘fall’ is such a beautiful season.I get to enjoy Pumpkin goodness to my heart’s content.The recipe I have for you today was an experiment that just turned out to be spot on in terms of flavors,texture and a healthy treat.Don’t you just love when that happens?

Healthy Pumpkin Coconut Squares 5

My pumpkin squares are extremely easy to make and taste incredible.My kids just couldn’t wait to finish these off and I had to request them to let me take the pics first!I’ve used Almond Flour here and Agave instead of sugar that makes this a healthy indulgent treat using minimal processed ingredients.Making this couldn’t be any easier since the whole mixture literally requires just a mixing bowl and spoon.

Healthy Pumpkin Coconut Squares

The pumpkin pie spice flavors remind you of the gorgeous season we’re in right now and the pumpkin coconut combo works its magic.The squares need a little chill time in the fridge to set and to be cut into squares and all ready to be gobbled up.Enjoy.

Healthy Pumpkin Coconut Squares

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Ingredients
  

  • 1 15 oz Can of Pumpkin puree
  • Almond flour-3/4 cup
  • Shredded Coconut-1/2 cup plus some to sprinkle over the top
  • Agave syrup-1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp
  • Pumpkin Pie spice mix-1 tsp
  • Baking soda-3/4 tsp
  • Salt-1/4 tsp
  • 2 large eggs
  • Butter or cooking spray for greasing the pan

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Grease a 9x9 baking dish with cooking sray or butter.
  • In a mixing bowl mix all the ingredients making sure they're clump free.
  • Transfer into the greased dish and smooth the top using a spatula.Sprinkle some shredded coconut over the top.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes until the edges are golden.
  • Cool completely and chill in the fridge before cutting into squares.
  • Enjoy.

 Recipe Adapted from The Detoxinista