desserts

Dumroot/Ash Gourd Halwa/lWinter Melon Halwa

October 15, 2022 By Asha Shivakumar

Dumroot or Dumroot Halwa is a classic, rich, delicious halwa which is unique to the state of Karnataka, particularly Udupi cuisine.

Summer comes, mom and I enter the days of chats, chaat and Bhagatram sweets. Particularly gulab jamun and dumroot, a recipe that’s a pride and joy of Karnataka, Udupi cuisine. Walking down Commercial street decades ago was way different to what it is now. No glitz and glamor, it didn’t have parking, so it was meant only for people to stroll, shop and eat. To the left was the clothing stores that never caught our attention. We mainly came to eat a gulab jamun each and the famous Dumroot. We are a family obsessively in love with DUMROOT. My dad, cousins and now my hubby and boys….

8 Simple Decadent Valentine’s treats you must make

February 9, 2021 By Asha Shivakumar

Valentines Desserts cannot be more Impressive, Simple and decadent. From breakfast, to drinks to sweet treats.

I carry around a list in my brain… a list of things that I’m in love with. Actively in love with, everyday… just walking around in the world.I’m in love with fresh flowers at home, big and small rings, my not so perfect black cotton dress, girls who carry themselves with ease that I covet, planners, writing small notes of love to family members, the diffuser that has lemon essence in it, sit and day dream.This is aside from loving the people and pets around me. This love is separate from family and friends. This love sometimes steps to the back of my mind and I’m left feeling a little blaaaaaahhh…. until all the love comes rushing back and I remember that I’m totally in love with my life. I LOVE falling in love with life.I mean… think about it. Despite its messes and disappointments… and bills, there’s a lot to be in love with… even if it’s just the smell of your new shampoo, because it reminds you of toasted coconut. That someone who compliments you on voice, a stranger looks at you because you are special. There’s so many things in life to be happy about.As much as I dislike the concept of Valentines day, hey it’s important to be in love with life.I don’t even care how cheesy that sounds… because it feels good to be in love. Let’s celebrate with something sweet.

Here are my favorite Valentines Desserts:

CHURRO FRENCH TOAST SANDWICH

In my opinion these are the next best thing to Churros . These Churro french Toast Sandwiches are easy for anyone to make and is impressive. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside and they have a flavor no one can resist!

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Coconut Cashew Cocoa Bailey’s Strawberry and Cream Panna cotta

February 1, 2019 By Asha Shivakumar

An impressively easy dessert, bailey’s strawberry and cream panna cotta will make anyone smile. It’s light and it’s decadent, both at the same time. The crunch from the tart base compliments this smooth panna cotta.

I carry around a list in my brain… a list of things that I’m in love with. Actively in love with, everyday… just walking around in the world.

I’m in love with fresh flowers at home, big and small rings, my not so perfect black cotton dress, girls who carry themselves with ease that I covet, planners, writing small notes of love to family members, the diffuser that has lemon essence in it, sit and day dream.

This is aside from loving the people and pets around me. This love is separate from family and friends. This love sometimes steps to the back of my mind and I’m left feeling a little blaaaaaahhh…. until all the love comes rushing back and I remember that I’m totally in love with my life. I LOVE falling in love with life….

Moroccan Guava Almond Phyllo Cake aka Snake cake/ M’hanncha

December 17, 2018 By Asha Shivakumar

Traditional Moroccan dessert, Moroccan Guava Almond Phyllo Cake M’hanncha/snake cake is made with filo pastry and almond filling, scented with orange blossom water and cardamom. Here we’ve used guava paste and cream cheese for that nontraditional modern touch. M’hanncha means coiled snake, name given because of the shape. It is easy to make and the taste is simply divine!

When I began blogging in 2013 I was completely blown away by the prolific community of food writers and home cooks who shared their stories and their inspiration on the web. Come to think of it, I barely visited blogs let alone food blogs, until giving it all a go myself… It was one of those “jump before looking how deep the water was first” sort of things. Needless to say, I spent countless hours pouring over gorgeous, articulate web pages, trying to learn as much as I could. Beautiful photos, authentic writing, original tested recipes, and authenticity was incredibly inspiring….

Easiest Delicious Kahlua Chocolate Matcha Mousse

June 2, 2018 By Asha Shivakumar

An easy and quick summer treat that is great for entertaining or a pick me up on those warm summer afternoons. The chocolate matcha mousse is a no-bake, eggless dessert that’s creamy, fluffy and oh so good.

“Desserts are like a feel-good song, and the best ones make you dance.” – Chef Edward Lee

The windows are open, and a light breeze comes in moving around the papers left on the table. A warm heat touches the side of my elbows. Waffles finally has made his way to a corner of the garden where bougainvilleas are showering him with flowers and shade. He digs a little spot for himself and sits cozily, tucked in for the next few hours, sun bathing. I take my cold coffee outside, sit under the large red umbrella, and turn on my Etta James playlist with a book to scribble on. Gazing into nothing and closing my eyes, I’m dreaming of the next couple of months…. I can feel it slowing down, as the holidays are approaching. Ready to embrace the heat……