Shira is a traditional Maharashtrian or Marathi delicacy. And it is also totally Indian. Almost every state has their version of shira or sooji halwa. And there are slight variations in the way it is made. But ultimately, it is a simple yet indulgent Indian dessert that is ready in less than 30 minutes using…
Mocha Chocolate Chip cookies – Dark and Sinful
Baking requires precision. That’s what everyone says. I have baked a lot of cakes over the years, but have never tried my hand at cookies. There are so many types of cookies. Crunchy, Crisp, chewy, gooey and so on. I like all these types, but I don’t think I will be able to tell what…
Christmas Fruit Cake – A Christmas Miracle Cake
Christmas Miracle? Isn’t it a few hours late for that? You might wonder. And you are right! This Christmas fruit cake recipe was supposed to have been shared with you a week ago. But work intervened and Christmas day dawned. And then there were a few mishaps that deep sixed this cake. Or tried to!…
Basundi Recipe – Simple Maharashtrian Sweet
Basundi is one of the most loved and simplest Maharashtrian desserts. It is the sweet dish of choice for many festivals including Diwali. I have written about Sev and Rava Besan Ladu which have a longer shelf life. Basundi is made with milk and is more perishable than other sweets. There is not much skill…
Eggless French Toast – Quick, Easy, and Sweet
Eggless French Toast is an easy recipe that allows vegetarians to enjoy this timeless classic. I grew up eating savory French toast that my granny made with eggs and salt and pepper. There was no milk added, and the French toast was more like bread wrapped in an omelet. This was my go-to dish through…
Amrakhand Recipe – Happy Gudi Padwa
Gudi Padwa is celebrated as New Year in Maharashtra because this is the beginning of the Hindu calendar, heralding the month of ‘Chaitra‘. Even though April is yet to start, the mercury already touches 100 degrees. Amrakhand was the choice of dessert for the festival because it is eaten cold and combines the goodness of…
Carrot Rabdi Recipe/ Carrot Pudding (Meatless Monday)
Rabdi is an Indian dessert that is made with milk. Traditionally, the milk is boiled and simmered in large iron woks or kadais until the milk thickens and almost coagulates to form milk solids. Sugar is added to sweeten it. This dessert is popular in the Northern and Central parts of India. Fruit based Rabdis…
Gajar Ka Halwa Recipe
Gajar Ka Halwa or Carrot Halwa or Indian Carrot pudding is a very popular dessert made from carrots, milk and sugar. Originating in North and Central India, TV and films have given it cult status. Winter time brings fresh and juicy red carrots and is a perfect time for this delectable sweet dish. Every family…
Easy Alfredo Sauce Recipe – The way it should be!
Pasta with Alfredo sauce is the ultimate indulgence. No one can pass up a dish of simple Fettucine Alfredo or Penne pasta with Alfredo. Some restaurants offer variations such as Cajun Alfredo which build on the basic recipe. Garlic, parsley or basil can add some light flavor or color. But the basic Alfredo sauce recipe…
Bharli vangi or Bharva Baingan – stuffed baby eggplants
Bharli vangi or Bharva Baingan – stuffed baby eggplants are made in some form across the various regions of India. Recipes differ from place to place. This is a classic Marathi or Maharashtrian recipe. As traditional as this is, every family has a twist on it, and will taste different from place to place. Some…