Chocolate Oats Kheer / Payasam / Pudding

 

          This is an absolutely amazing and a simple oats kheer / payasam / pudding. I gave a twist to it by adding some leftover grated dark chocolate for a nice chocolaty  flavored dessert. It turned out real yummy and this combination resulted in a thick creamy dessert. So do give it a try and surprise your loved ones. You can enjoy it just as it is, as an after meal dessert or with poori / paratha for breakfast. 

           This recipe is a great way to turn your regular oats into a delectable flavored dessert. Garnish with chopped pistachios, dry rose petals and saffron and serve them chilled in individual bowls. So time to indulge in this easy to make chilled delicacy. Enjoy !!!!

         Oats are generally nutritious, wholesome and low in cholesterol. It contains fiber and is rich in antioxidants. Hence, it is advisable to include it in our daily diet. Apart from having it for breakfast, you can turn them into delectable desserts. 

         So oats based kheer / pudding being my favorite, I keep experimenting. It is not only healthy but is a real comfort dessert for me. I like to indulge in it after every meal, especially after lunch. So tried this yummy kheer made of oats and flavored with Lindt dark chocolate. A new creation from my kitchen. You can make them healthy by adding some Bournvita instead, for your kiddo. 

            The story behind the preparation goes like this. After cooking oats in milk, I thought why not add in some chocolate. So here you go. I added some leftover Lindt dark chocolate. It turned out some sort of a mix-n-match dessert. So thought of sharing this delicious concoction which surprisingly, turned out very yummy with just the right amount of sweetness for me. It is ideal for an after-meal dessert. So go ahead and give it a try and serve them chilled.

• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup oats
• 1 tbsp. butter
• 2-3 tbsp. grated chocolate (I used Lindt dark chocolate)
• 3-4 tbsp. sugar or to taste 
• 1/4 tsp. cardamom powder
• 1 tsp. rose water
• 1 tbsp. chopped pistachios
• pinch of saffron & dry rose petals

         Melt butter in a pan. Add the oats and sauté till it is slightly browned. Add the milk, cardamom powder and sugar. 

         Mix everything well and simmer on a low flame till it is slightly thick in consistency. (It will further thicken when it cools down).

          Switch off the flame. Add the grated chocolate and rose water. Give it a stir till it is completely dissolved. Keep aside to cool down. Then refrigerate till serving time. 

          Spoon this chilled dessert in individual bowls / short glasses. Garnish with chopped pistachios, dry rose petals and saffron. Enjoy!!!!

No Fry Fried Ice Cream

 

        This non-fried ice cream is a Mexican inspired dessert but minus any oil. It has a crispy coating but without deep frying. It is crunchy on the outside and soft from within. This is a great party recipe and is apt for a kids party or a kitty party. It is a 'must try' recipe . You can enjoy simply on its own with just a sprinkle of chopped pistachios, like I did or with a garnish of some whipped cream, chocolate sauce or a cherry on the top. Enjoy !!!!

          

             So impress your guests with this easy to make frozen dessert. However, I replaced the cornflakes and cinnamon powder that is typically used. 

            I tried with oats, grated Lindt dark chocolate, brown sugar and cardamom powder and it turned out super yummy.

           You can try with any flavored ice cream of your choice. Make them ahead of time and freeze until serving.

• 4-5 scoops of ice cream
• 1 tbsp. butter
• 1 cup oats
• 1/4 tsp. cardamom powder
• 2-3 tbsp. grated chocolate
• 2-3 tbsp. brown sugar or as needed
• 1 tbsp. chopped pistachio & dry rose petals to garnish

          Scoop the ice cream and arrange them on a butter paper or a muffin tray lined with cling film for easy removal. Freeze for 1-2 hours. 

          Meanwhile, melt the butter in a pan. Add the oats and sauté till it is slightly browned. 

          Add the grated chocolate, brown sugar and cardamom powder. Mix everything well and sauté for 4-5 minutes. Set aside to cool completely. 

          When the ice cream scoops are hard enough, roll them in the crunchy oats mixture and press them gently till well coated from all over.

          Garnish with chopped pistachios and dry rose petals and enjoy, If preferred, you can garnish with whipped cream, chocolate sauce or a cherry.

Chocolate Kalakand

 

             Kalakand is a traditional Indian sweet that is very popular in every special occasions, parties and festivals. It is very easy to prepare right in the comfort of your own kitchen. Make them super easy and fast with some store bought paneer. 

           So let me share my favorite kalakand in a new flavor. I made use of some leftover Lindt dark chocolate and some paneer to come up with this super easy and an equally yummy sweet. It turned out just amazing. Do give this homemade delicacy a try and surprise your loved ones with this new flavor. Garnish with chopped pistachios and enjoy it chilled or at room temperature. 

• 1 cup grated paneer 
• 2 tbsp. grated chocolate
• 1 tbsp. ghee
• 1/4 cup evaporated milk
• 2 tbsp. milk powder
• 3 tbsp. sugar or to taste 
• pinch of salt
• 1/4 tsp. cardamom powder
• 1 tsp. rose water
• 1 tsp. chopped pistachios

          In a non-stick pan, add all the above mentioned ingredients (except pistachios). 

          Mix everything well and simmer on a low flame. Keep stirring continuously till the moisture is all absorbed.

          Switch off the flame and transfer to a greased plate. Garnish with the chopped pistachios. Allow it to cool and refrigerate for some time to set. 

          Cut as desired and enjoy at room temperature or chilled. Great for any festive occasion or as an after meal dessert.