Sometimes you need a little something sweet to go along with your meal, but most of the times we don't have time to create those elaborate desserts which require numerous ingredients and endless amount of preparation. Here is my own creation which I thought of one crazy afternoon as kids wanted something sweet, but they were so impatient that I just threw in whatever I had in the refrigerator and Voila I had this delicious mouthwatering recipe. The best thing about this dessert is that you can change the quantities of the ingredients that go into it, without worrying about messing its taste. If you want extra creamy add more yogurt or if you want more liquid-like consistency to add more milk. My recipe is just a base, you can play around it according to your fancy.
Serving size:3-4
Ingredients:
1 or 1.5 cup : Organic Mango Pulp
1/2 cup : Yogurt(I used Trader Joe's low fat plain yogurt)
4 Tbsp: Pista Kulfi Icecream *
1/2 Cup : whole Milk
Sugar: 1-2 tsp
1 1/2 Cup: Mixed fresh fruits (Grapes, Strawberries,Pear, Papaya, Pomegranate kernels )
1 Tbsp: slivered almonds (optional) for garnishing
1-2 strawberries for garnishing
Directions:
In a bowl add yogurt, whisk it. Now add mango pulp, ice cream, and milk. Mix everything well. Hold on to sugar, After adding fruits if you feel you need it more sweeter you can add 1-2 tsp sugar if you wish. Keep this mix in the refrigerator and meanwhile get the fruits ready. chop the strawberries, and cut the grapes also in two pieces. Peel the pear and the Papaya, cut it into small pieces. If you don't have pomegranate Kernels, that ok, you can add whatever fruits you like or replace it what is seasonal or according to your taste buds. Fresh fruits are better than the frozen. Couple of times I have replaces apples with Pear and added Blueberries (cut into half) instead of grapes. Add all the fruits in the yogurt mix. If you like your sweets really sweet, this is the time to add sugar and incorporate well. Keep it in the refrigerator for 20 mins before serving. You got yourself a luscious dessert. Garnish it with slivered almonds and sliced strawberries and soon you will be devouring it with spoonfuls after spoonfuls.
* Pista Kulfi Icecream is easily available in any Indian grocery store here in the US.
" Dessert is like a feel-good song and the best ones make you dance". Chef Edward Lee
After some tumultuous times , back to sharing recipes. Here is a refreshing drink which I promise will help you get into that little Black dress. We all make resolutions at the beginning of the new year to eat clean and exercise regularly, but sometimes, actually most of the times we fall off the bandwagon. This drink will help you get back on track as it helps you cleanse your palette and most of all it's not bland and boring. You can say it's out of the box.
Serving size:2-3
Ingredients:
One bunch of Organic celery Stalks
2 Green apples
A piece of ginger root
One large cucumber
Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
Rock salt: according to taste or a pinch
Black pepper: a pinch
Chaat Masala 1/4 tsp **
Cumin Powder: a pinch
Directions:
If you have a juice extractor or a Centrifugal juicer, this juice is ready in a jiffy. I have the Breville Juice Fountain Compact ( https://www.brevilleusa.com/collections/juicers/products/the-juice-fountain-compact?variant=33819160273 )
It's not the best ,but does the job well.
After extracting the juice of Celery stalks, apples, ginger root and cucumbers add the spices and the lemon juice. Stir well. You can add crushed ice if you are gonna drink immediately,otherwise it's gonna dilute the drink. It stores well for 2-3 days in a glass bottle.
**: You can find chaat Masala at any Indian grocery store.
" Our bodies are our gardens-Our wills are our gardeners"
-William Shakespeare."
