Cook Without Book

Mexican Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting Eggless chocolate cakes with frosting can be as wonderful. Cooking Time:  25-30 minutes Servings:  4   Preparation Time:  25-30 minutes   Category:  Veg - Ingredients • Refined flour (maida) 1 cup • Cornflour/ corn starch 1/4 cup • Baking soda 1 teaspoon • Salt 1/2 teaspoon • Cinnamon powder 1 teaspoon • Cocoa powder 3 tablespoons • Castor sugar (caster sugar) 1 cup • Vanilla essence 1 teaspoon • Vinegar 1 tablespoon For frosting • Icing sugar 1 cup • Cinnamon powder 1 teaspoon • Honey 1 tablespoon • Cocoa powder 2 tablespoons • Oil 1 tablespoon Method Preheat oven to 180° C. Grease a square cake tin and lightly dust with dry flour. Place a sieve over a bowl and put refined flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, cinnamon powder, cocoa powder and sift. Mix well. Add castor sugar and mix. Add 1 cup chilled water and mix. A...

Almond Praline A scrumptious crunch topping that can be used in many desserts, especially sundaes. The crunch of almonds together with caramelized sugar imparts a wonderful texture to recipes. While i have included it in the recipe of chocolate nougat cake, but it can even be eaten by itself! Preparation Time:  5 mins Cooking Time:  7 mins Makes .75 cup Ingredients 1/2 cup  blanched and  roasted almonds (badam) 1/2 cup   sugar 1/2 tsp   vanilla essence oil  for greasing Method Combine the sugar and vanilla essence in a broad non-stick pan and cook on a medium flame for 5 to 7 minutes or till the sugar melts, while stirring continuously. Remove from the flame, add the almonds and mix well. Spread the mixture on a greased flat surface and allow it to cool and harden. Scrape it out using a palate knife and coarsely powder it using a mortar-pestle (khalbatta). Store in an air-tight container and use as required. Handy tips: ...

Almond Crème Brulée Almond crème brulée,this rich vanilla and almond flavoured custard with a hard golden coloured caramel crust and a soft gooey centre makes a wonderful end to any meal. Preparation Time:  10 mins Cooking Time:  10 mins Makes 4 servings Ingredients 3 cups   milk 1 tbsp  vanilla  custard powder 3 tbsp   sugar 1/2 tsp   vanilla essence 1 tsp  (5 grams) chopped  agar-agar 1/4 cup  finely  chopped almonds (badam) For The Caramel sugar  for caramelising Method Soak the agar-agar in ¾ cup of cold water for 5 minutes. Cook on a slow flame until it dissolves. Keep aside ½ cup of milk. Mix the custard in this cold milk. Boil the remaining milk with the sugar. When the milk starts boiling, add the custard and continue cooking until you get a smooth sauce. Add the cooked agar-agar to the custard. Boil again for 2 minutes. Strain the mixture and cool it slightly. Add half the almonds and mix w...

Almond Biscotti with Cappuccino The name biscotti is derived from 'bis' meaning twice in Italian and 'cotto' meaning baked or cooked. Our recipe is a quick version of the traditional one where the sticky dough is first shaped into a 12 inch (30 cm) log and baked until firm. After a short cooling period, the log is sliced into diagonal slices and baked again to draw out the moisture thus producing crisp, dry textured cookies that have a long shelf life. Serve the biscotti with a hot cup of cappuccino for a deliciously simple finish to the Italian fare. Ingredients 1 cup   plain flour (maida) 1/4 cup   almond (badam) slivers 1/2 tsp   baking soda 1 tsp   vanilla essence 1/4 cup   castor sugar or powdered sugar 1 tsp   lemon rind 1/4 cup   softened butter 1 1/2 tbsp  cold  milk Method Sift the flour and baking powder into a bowl. Add the vanilla essence, castor sugar and lemon rind. Rub the butter into the flour m...

  Strawberry  Cake The crispy biscuit base aden with fresh and creamy fruits is sure to excite even the most tired taste buds! quite naturally, this is one of the most popular cheesecakes across the world, and there are many ways of making this international favourite. This particular version combines strawberries with white chocolate. You can even use a basic cheesecake mixture instead, for an equally good experience. Depending on the sweetness of the strawberries, adjust the proportion of sugar in the strawberry sauce. Preparation Time:  15 mins Cooking Time:  7 mins Makes 1 cheesecake Ingredients For The Biscuit Base 16   digestive biscuit 1/4 cup   melted butter For The Strawberry Sauce 1/2 cup  mashed  strawberries 3 tbsp   sugar 1 tsp   cornflour 1/2 tsp   lemon juice Other Ingredients 1 cup  grated  white chocolate 1/4 cup   milk 2 tbsp   cream cheese  , readily available 1 tsp   le...

Brownie Parfait Delicious dessert of interlaced layers of chocolate brownie, whipped cream and peaches. Preparation Time:  25 mins Cooking Time:  35 mins Makes 4 servings Ingredients For The Chocolate Brownie 1 cup   plain flour (maida) 1/4 cup   cocoa powder 3/4 cup   powdered sugar 1/2 tsp   baking soda 1/2 tsp   baking powder 6 tbsp   curds (dahi) 5 tbsp   milk 5 tbsp   melted butter 1/2 cup   chopped walnuts (akhrot) 1/2 tsp   vanilla essence Other Ingredients 2   unbeaten whipped cream  , chilled 4 tbsp   powdered sugar 1/4 tsp   vanilla essence 8  canned  peach halves For The Garnish 4  cocktail  cherries Method   For the chocolate brownie Preheat the oven to 180 degree c (350 degree f). Mix all the ingredients in a mixing bowl using a wooden spoon. Make sure there are no lumps. Pour this mixture into a greased and dusted 200 mm. X 200 mm. (8" ...

Brownie and Whipped Cream Sundae Freshly-baked, gooey brownies are placed in between layers of fresh vanilla cream, and topped up with peach halves, and cocktail cherries. A delicious, yummy-looking dessert that kids will definitely love, and probably eat it up before dinner! Preparation Time:  25 mins Cooking Time:  35 mins Baking Time:  25 to 30 mins. Baking Tempearature:  180°C (360°F). Makes 8 glases Ingredients For The Chocolate Brownie 1 cup   plain flour (maida) 1/4 cup   cocoa powder 3/4 cup   powdered sugar 1/2 tsp   baking soda 1/2 tsp   baking powder 6 tbsp   curds (dahi) 5 tbsp   milk 5 tbsp   melted butter 1/2 cup   chopped walnuts (akhrot)   1/2 tsp   vanilla essence Other Ingredients 2 cups   unbeaten whipped cream  , chilled 4 tbsp   powdered sugar 1/4 tsp   vanilla essence 8  canned  peach halves Method   For the chocolate brownie ...

Sicilian Orange Almond Cake All sicilians love desserts and cakes. Citrus fruits and almonds are widely grown and of course largely consumed in sicily, which is an island in the mediterranean region. I actually ate up a large chunk of this cake the first time i made it. So if you are the one who loves hot freshly baked cakes, you will love this delicious tea-time cake flavoured with orange and almonds. The use of orange squash gives a concentrated orange flavour to the cake. It is not totally essential but very helpful if you use it. Preparation Time:  15 mins Baking Time:  45 minutes. Baking Time:  15 minutes. Baking Temperature:  200°C (400°F) Baking Temperature:  180°C (360°F) Makes 4 servings Ingredients 1 1/4 cups   plain flour (maida) 1 tsp  levelled ,  baking powder 1/2 cup   powdered almonds (badam) 1 cup   powdered sugar 1/3 cup   melted butter 1/3 cup   curds (dahi)  , beaten 1/3 cup ...

Almond Biscotti with Cappuccino The name biscotti is derived from 'bis' meaning twice in Italian and 'cotto' meaning baked or cooked. Our recipe is a quick version of the traditional one where the sticky dough is first shaped into a 12 inch (30 cm) log and baked until firm. After a short cooling period, the log is sliced into diagonal slices and baked again to draw out the moisture thus producing crisp, dry textured cookies that have a long shelf life. Serve the biscotti with a hot cup of cappuccino for a deliciously simple finish to the Italian fare. Ingredients 1 cup   plain flour (maida) 1/4 cup   almond (badam) slivers 1/2 tsp   baking soda 1 tsp   vanilla essence 1/4 cup   castor sugar or powdered sugar 1 tsp   lemon rind 1/4 cup   softened butter 1 1/2 tbsp  cold  milk Method Sift the flour and baking powder into a bowl. Add the vanilla essence, castor sugar and lemon rind. Rub the butter into the flour mixtu...

Apple Halwa ( Tiffin Treats for Kids ) Apple halwa, this unusual yet delicious halwa made of fibre-rich apples. Walnuts provide essential fatty acids whereas mava is loaded with milk proteins, truly making this dish an irresistible fruity delight! Preparation Time:  10 mins Cooking Time:  25 mins Makes 4 servings Ingredients 1 1/2 tbsp   ghee 2 1/4 cups   grated apples 1/4 cup   grated mava (khoya) 3/4 cup   milk 3 1/2 tbsp   sugar 1/4 cup  chopped  walnuts (akhrot) a few drops of  vanilla essence cashews Method Heat the ghee in a broad non-stick pan, add the apples and cook on a medium flame for 5 to 7 minutes, while stirring continuously. Add the mava, mix well and cook on a medium flame for another 2 to 3 minutes, while stirring continuously. Add the milk and simmer for 7 to 8 minutes, while stirring twice in between. Add the sugar and walnuts, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 7 to 8 minutes o...

Chocolate Brownies with Chunky Peanut Butter Serves 4 2/3 cup all purpose flour, plus 2 tablespoons for dusting the pan 1/2 teaspoon baking powder pinch of salt 1/3 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus 1 tablespoons for greasing the pan 2 ounces  semi-sweetened chocolate 1 cup sugar 2 medium eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla essence 4 tablespoons chunky peanut butter Preheat the oven to  350 °  F. Into a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. With the help of an elder and using a double boiler, melt butter and chocolate. In a mixing bowl, beat eggs. Add sugar to eggs a little at a time, beating well. Very slowly add the butter- chocolate mixture to it, little at a time. Stir in flour mixture, blending well. Stir in vanilla and peanut butter. With the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, grease a 8-inch square pan and lightly flour it with reserved flour. Evenly spread...

Chocolate Pie This pie is so easy and quick to make, it will surely be loved by one and all. The microwave helps reduce cooking time, and kids will love the delectable results! Setting time:  2 to 3 hours Preparation Time:  10 mins Cooking Time:  1 mins Makes 1 cake Ingredients For The Biscuit Base 1  cup  crushed  digestive biscuits 5 tbsp   melted butter For The Filling 2 cups  roughly chopped  milk   chocolate  or  dark chocolate 1/4 cup   milk 2 cups   beaten whipped cream 2 tbsp   powdered sugar 1 tsp   vanilla essence For The Garnish 3 tbsp  grated  milk   chocolate  or  dark chocolate Method   For the biscuit base Combine the biscuit and melted butter in a bowl and mix well. Press the mixture into the base of a 150 mm (6") loose-bottomed pie dish. Refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes or till the base is firm. For the filling Co...

Chocolate Brownie A rich, dark chocolate brownie which is ideal for a tea party or even as a dessert if served with a dollop of vanilla ice-cream. Preparation Time:  10 mins Cooking Time:  4 mins Makes 4 pieces Ingredients 1/2 cup   plain flour (maida) 4 tbsp   cocoa powder 2 tbsp   sour curds (khatta dahi) 1/4 tsp   soda bi-carb 1/4 cup   melted butter 5 tbsp   powdered sugar 1/2 tsp   vanilla essence 1/4 cup  roughly chopped  walnuts (akhrot) 1 tbsp   butter  for greasing Method Sift together the flour and cocoa powder using a sieve. Keep aside. Combine the curds and soda-bi-carb in a bowl, mix well and keep aside. Combine the melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla essence and ½ cup of hot water in another bowl and whisk well. Add the curds-soda mixture and mix well. Add the flour mixture and walnuts and mix gently to make a smooth batter of dropping consistency. Grease a 150 mm. (6”)...