Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Merry Christmas!



Crunchy, creamy, rich—there is no shortage of praise for this dessert! this is luscious party fare, with the special touch of hazelnuts. However, where hazelnuts are not available you can use walnuts instead, without compromising on the taste and feel. While making the praline, take care not to stir the sugar; allow it to melt on its own to avoid the sugar from sticking to the spatula. To make this mousse quick and easy, i have opted for a spread like nutella that is readily available.

Wednesday, December 04, 2013

Chocolate Cheese Tart

What goes perfectly with a crispy golden pastry base fresh out of the oven? try a delicious filling of cream cheese, condensed milk, chocolate and dry fruits, and you will fall head over heels in love with it. A sprinkling of nutmeg powder gives this chocolate cheese tart an aroma that fills the kitchen and beyond! it is surprising how this spice works even better than traditional options like cinnamon for this particular creation.



Preparation Time: 
Baking Time:  50 minutes
Baking Temperature:  180°C (360°F)
Makes 1 tart

Ingredients


For The Pastry Base


1/2 cup plain flour (maida)
1/4 cup butter
2 tbsp castor sugar

To Be Mixed Into A Filling


1 recipe cream cheese
1/2 cup condensed milk
1/2 cup grated dark chocolate
1/4 cup sultanas
1/4 tsp nutmeg (jaiphal) powder
a pinch of baking soda



Method 
For the pastry base

  1. Sieve the flour.
  2. Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl till light and fluffy.
  3. Mix in the flour and milk and knead to make a soft dough.
  4. Roll out the pastry dough to line the base of a 150 mm. (6") diameter pie dish. Prick the pastry with a fork at regular intervals.
  5. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 180°c (360°f) for 15 minutes.
  6. Remove from the oven.

How to proceed

  1. Spoon the filling on top of the baked pastry base.
  2. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 200°c (400°f) for 30 minutes or until it is golden brown in colour.
  3. Cut into wedges. Serve hot.

Recipe Source: Chocolate Cheese Tart by Tarla Dalal