Diwali Dessert- Pistachio saffron Cheese Cake (An Indian twist to glob

Diwali Dessert- Pistachio saffron Cheese Cake (An Indian twist to global cheese cake)

30.April.2022 0 comments

Diwali – a festival close to every Indian heart. It brings back all those beautiful memories of our childhood, the smell of crackers, the feel of new clothes, aroma of amazing delicacies. Most of all, it’s a festival which brings us closer to family and friends.

Being away from home, Diwali celebrations are definitely not the same as they used to be back home. However we do have learned to follow the essence of it, we do make it point to meet up friends, family during this time. It’s time for Diwali Lunches /brunches/dinners my friends.

While it’s always fun to meet friends and family, planning menu for these get together can be little challenging. While traditional sweets are great, each one of us wants to make something unique.

This festive season, I thought of giving an Indian twist to global cheese cake. Yes, a simple yet a flavorful dessert. And what more it is simple to make and can be made ahead of time.

This recipe beautifully blends in the traditional flavors and yet is so modern in appearance and is sure to please every pallet. And what more – the portion size is so perfect – that even your weight watcher friends are going to enjoy this one.

So here’s what you will need

Utensils

15-18 muffin cases, muffin pan, mixer/food processer, handheld mixer

For the Base of cheese cake

50 gm Pistachios

50 gm almonds (Blanched preferably)

50gm desiccated coconut

50gm powdered sugar

50gm butter melted

For the cheesecake filling

250gm (8 oz) cream cheese

300 ml whipping cream (Double Cream)

100 gm castor sugar

15ml pistachio paste

Few strands of saffron

15ml milk (warm)

Green and yellow food color (optional)

How to Proceed

For the Base

Line up the muffin cases in the muffin pan
In your food processer or dry mixer grind the ingredients for the base ( except the butter)
Add melted butter to the above mixture and mix till it all comes together
Spoon about a teaspoon of mixture in each muffin case and press it with your hand or back of the spoon to create a base
Place the muffin cases in the refrigerator and let the base firm up , may be for an hour or so

For the Cheesecake batter

In a small bowl mix the warm milk and strands of saffron and keep aside
Now using a paddle attachment /using your handheld mixer cream together cream cheese and half the sugar till smooth
Whip the whipping cream with remaining sugar till stiff in a separate bowl
Fold in the whipped cream with cream cheese mixture
Now divide the mixture in three equal portions ( you can eyeball this )
Mix in pistachio paste in one portion and add a few drops of green food color if you desire , mix till the paste and color get incorporated evenly
Add the saffron milk mixture to second portion; mix in till it is well incorporated. Add a few drops of yellow food color if you desire.
Keep the third portion as it is

To Assemble

Take out the muffin cases and spoon in the plain cheese cake batter in each muffin case , about a tea spoon
Keep it in the refrigerator for about 15 -20 minutes
Layer it with the saffron flavored batter , again spooning in about a tea spoon in each muffin case
Return it to the refrigerator for about 15 -20 minutes
Now top it with Pistachio flavored batter
Let it set in the refrigerator at least for 4 hours , preferable overnight

You may freeze these for up to 8-10 days. I generally prepare them in advance and freeze them.

Just bring them to refrigerator a couple of hours before you plan to serves these. Remove the muffin cases and serve this colorful, flavorful, traditional yet so modern dessert.

Hope you give it a try …and let me know how it goes.

Happy Diwali everyone, stay blessed!!!