Simple Chocolate Mousse Cake in a Cup

Diwali is fast approaching. I plan to make at least one sweet or a snack everyday this week so that I will have enough for the Diwali day. My kids too have given me their preferences.

This is a very simple dessert , so creamy and light. Kids loved it and I am still not sure if it is a mousse or a no bake cheesecake but like a cheesecake this does not have the crust. This is a keeper of a recipe because, anyone can make this in no time but will give a designer effect to your parties.

I did not have any berries to decorate to bring a designer effect but I am sure it will look attractive with all the adornments like a mint leaf on whipped cream or some strawberries.

Ingredients

Cream cheese -  100 gms
Condensed milk - 100 gms
Agar agar -  a few strands
Sugar - 2 tbsp
Vanilla essence - 1 tsp
Hershey's chocolate powder - 1 tbsp

Method

• Boil the agar agar in just enough water till dissolved
• Beat the cream cheese and combine with condensed milk and cocoa powder
• Add sugar and if it is thick pour  some milk
• Pour in the agar agar and beat well
• The batter now must be thick but of pouring consistency
• Pour over shot glass dessert cups and set in the fridge for an hour
• Serve cold with chocolate sauce slithered on top.

Enjoy!!!

Bengali Aloo dum

Bengali Aloo Dum

I proudly looked at the aloo dum that I whipped up. Having born in Kolkata, I pondered to myself if I might have some natural Bengali roots. I love everything about Bengal, the people, the food, the language, sweets,  Durga Puja... Well .. who doesn't ? Here comes the Bengali Vegetarian food- the most famous Aloo Dum from my spic and span, well organised My Magical Kitchen.

I know I am bragging. Please bear with me if you are reading this.

I even heard that Bengali vegetarian food is traditionally without onion and garlic.

I made this aloo dum for a dinner that we hosted this week. To prepare this was a breeze because our house help Maria had already boiled the potatoes with skin peeled and kept them ready in the refrigerator.

Ingredients :

Baby potatoes - 1lb
Tomatoes - 4  numbers
Ginger - a little peice
Chilli powder - 1 tsp
Dhaniya Powder - 1 tsp
Garam Masala - 1/2 tsp
Cumin Seeds - 1 tsp
Panch Poron - 1 tsp ( The Bengali masala) for seasoning
Cream - 2 tbsp
Cashew - 5 peices
Oil - to fry and season

Method:

• Boil the potatoes and take out the skin
• Fry them deep in oil
• Keep aside
• Puree the tomatoes, ginger and cashew till smooth and silky
• In a pan heat enough oil, crackle the cumin and panch poron 
• Add the tomato puree and saute till oil separates
• Add in the chilli and masala powders
• Add the fried potatoes.
• Add water if it is too thick.
• When it boils well, add the cream and switch off.
• Garnish with coriander leaves.

Goes well with rice and pooris (luchis)

Enjoy!!!

Momos

Yesterday was a tiring day in Guatemala. It rains crazy here from May to October almost every afternoon till dusk. It is  beautiful to watch the pregnant clouds, the rains, the greenery, the mountains and the colorful  flowers dancing all over the city. The volcanoes that surround the city look so beautiful doing a peek-a -boo covered with mist.
Landslides are common during the rainy season. They call them "Derrumbes" ( they room bays). A funny name!!!
Some landslides occurred right in the city in one of the busiest  highways Carratera El Salvador:. The school buses were cancelled and I had to go to school to pick up the kids all the way in the traffic and by the time they reached home it was close to 7 pm. Solid hours flew by in the traffic and left me with no time to do my practices or prepare for the next day.  I took it easy because today is Friday too.

I made these Momos a while ago, but got time to post only now.

Ingredients :

For the outer cover
All Purpose flour - 1 cup
Salt - a pinch
Oil - a tbsp

For the filling
Vegetables of your choice finely chopped
Soy sauce - 1 tsp
Salt and Chilli - as per taste

Method:

• Saute the vegetables on high flame al dente.
• Add salt, chilli and soy sauce
• Let it cool
• Mix the flour, salt and oil and roll to a firm dough.
• Rest the dough for a while 
• Make small puris and put the filling inside and make them into momos.
• To make the momos filling, gather the outer cover like pleats and give a twist.
• Steam them for ten minutes
• Serve with Hot and Sweet Sauce.
• I mixed Chipotle and Tomato Salsa and it was yummy.

Enjoy!!!!

Idly

I don't own a grinder. I have made idly using a Black&Decker mixer.

Ingredients:

Rice - 3 cups ( I have used raw rice since I don't get Idly rice where I live)
Urad Dal - 1 cup.

Method:

• Soak Urad dal and rice separately for 4 - 5 hours
• Blend them smooth in a mixer.
• Add salt and ferment them in  a warm place for 8 hours.
• Pour the batter in idly moulds and steam them for 10 - 15 minutes
• Remove them and serve with your favourite chutney.