Tiramisu

I have always wanted to make a Tiramisu. But I felt that it was something beyond my reach as I thought it's impossible to make such a delicious Italian dessert. Finally after  a lot of research and watching multiple videos I decided its time now. This is one of the creamiest cakes I have ever tasted and it has become my all time Fav. The flavors in it are so subtle it will keep you wanting for more & more!!!! Best part is it can be made in no-time!!!

Ingredients :
Cream Cheese – 8 oz box at room temp
Sugar – 3 Tbsp
Custard powder - 2 tbsp
Milk - 150 ml
Strong Coffee – 1 cup (or as needed)
Whipped Cream – 1 1/2 cups (See recipe below) or (1 1/2 cups of Cool Whip) may be used as an instant alternative
Lady Fingers – 1 package (Alternative: Use a basic cake & cut in to 1''thick and 5" long pieces )see pic below.
Cocoa Powder & Powdered Sugar – for garnishing.
Vanilla Essence - few drops

How to make Whipped Cream :  Makes about 2 cups
Ingredients:
2 tbsp sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
Directions :
Whip Heavy Whipping Cream and 1 Tbsp Sugar in a bowl over ice until fluffy. Whisk just until the cream reaches stiff peaks.           Tip: Make sure the cream is very cold. This will help the cream whip quickly and will increase its volume.

Method for Tiramisu:
1. In a large mixing bowl, mix softened Cream Cheese with 3 Tbsp of sugar until sugar is completely dissolved.
2. In a separate bowl make thick Custard mixture & keep it aside.
3. Mix the custard mixture into the cream cheese & add a few drops of vanilla essence  and stir well.
4. Add 2-3 Tbsp of the coffee liquid in the mixture and mix well.
5. Fold Whipped Cream into cream cheese & custard mixture until well incorporated.
6. Dip each Lady Finger into the coffee for just 2 seconds on each side and place into square or rectangle tray until the bottom is completely covered.
7. Spread 1/2 of the cream cheese filling evenly on top of the fingers and dust cocoa powder over the filling.
8. Repeat another layer of coffee dipped lady fingers.
9.Top with remaining filling and sprinkle cocoa powder on top  to form a coating.
10. Chill overnight or at least for 8 hrs.
11 Garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Eggless Sponge Cake

My mom used to make cakes all the time on occasions like birthdays, anniversary or any parties. Well I should say sometimes no reason to make a delicious cake :). And I am continuing her tradition & making for my Family.

Ingredients:

Maida /All purpose flour - 11/2 cups
Melted Butter/ghee  - 100 gms
Milk -  120 ml
Vanilla Essence or pineapple essence - 2 tsp
Sweetened Condensed Milk - 1 tin
Baking Powder - 2 tsp
Baking Soda - 1 tsp
11/2 tsp ground flax seed powder  soaked in 2 tbsp water (make it frothy like consistency) .

Method:

1. Preheat the oven at 350 *F
2. Sieve the flour, baking powder and baking soda and keep it aside (dry ingredients)
3. Take the melted butter in a bowl and whisk it very well till it is creamy and frothy.
4. Add vanilla essence, condensed milk  and beat it till it is creamy and fluffy. Add the flax seed mixture and whisk well with a beater.
5. Add the dry ingredients(maida, baking soda, baking powder) little by little and keep mixing it well.
   Add  milk and mix well.
6. Beat it for 5 mins till it is in a smooth flowing consistency.
7. Grease the baking dish with butter and dust it with little flour. Pour the batter into the pan.

8. Bake it in the oven at 350*F for 35 mins or until it is cooked. To check if it is cooked put a toothpick in the center of the cake if it comes out clean , it means it is done.
9. Cool it on the cooling rack for 5 mins and Remove the cake from the baking tray to cool completely.

Red Velvet Cupcake

Ingredients: 

1 cup soy milk

1tsp apple cider vinegar

1¾ cup all-purpose flour

1 cup sugar

2 tbsp cocoa powder

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 ounce red food coloring

1 tsp vanilla extract

Method:
Add vinegar to soy milk, and set aside to curdle.
Sift flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
Add vegetable oil, food coloring, and vanilla extract to the curdled soy milk, and mix.
Pour liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients, and mix.
Fill cupcake liners ¾ full.
Bake in a preheated 350° oven for 20 minutes or until done.