Baked Bliss and More!

When I started baking 4 years back during the pandemic induced lockdown, I clearly remember perusing Google and YouTube looking for recipes that seemed "easy" or "doable" with limited equipment of my Indian household. A novice baker, my only criteria to slelect a recipe for me to try was that it shouldn't be too visually appealing- after all desserts which captivated the eye were sure to be a pain to whip up!  And the more I talk to my family, friends or read online, I see how this myth of baking is continuously recycled- what looks good doesn't surely taste good and it for sure can't be made at home.  Well then, as a baker of 4 years, having made countless recipes, failing multiple times and still possessing an unhealthy appetite for baked goodies; let me assure you that what looks good on screen can be made at home, by you (with/without experience) using only and only your household bowls and spoons. This recipe, my friends is the perfect, the most imp...

If anything marks my return to baking and writing about food after an unexpected hiatus, it HAS to be these cookies! Replete with crunchy peanut butter, oodles of dark chocolate and the extreme fudginess; all combined to make the BEST EVER Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies! Have you ever walked into a coffee shop, the air wafting with smell of coffee? Yet, the smell that arouses your senses, that captivates you so much that you get weak in your knees is always a big fudgy cookie that beats all the French desserts These cookies are simply THAT. These cookies are not extravagant, rather they're as simple as it can get. However, the beauty and the appeal lie in the simplicity of the recipe and dish itself. Basic ingredients (straight from the fridge) along with a spoon and bowl can concoct something so delicious, so decadent hat you'll dream of it over and over. And before I begin with his recipe- I must admit (honestly) that I'm not a big fan of peanut butter. It's go...

These pistachio cookies were on my to-bake list for simply too long for 2 reasons. The first was that I had never baked with pistachios and I was eager to incorporate them in my repertoire. Second, this recipe is no ordinary one; it is the brainchild of Claire Saffitz (baker extraordinaire). Naturally, when I craved something buttery, nutty and crunchy I decided to bake these cookies. These cookies are both, extremely elegant (so much so that it looks as if the process was painstaking) and delectable because of the copious amounts of nuts and butter. These are not to sweet and have a slight saltiness to them because of the almonds that make them perfect to have in the evening or as a snack. EQUIPMENT: Food Processor 2-3 large mixing bowls Spatula Whisk Rimmed baking sheet, lined with parchment Parchment Paper, cut into 2 rectangles of 12x8" plus extra  PISTACHIO PINWHEELS Total Time: 18-20 minutes of baking Author: Claire Saffitz Serving: approximately 30 cookies Ingredients: 2/3 ...

In Delhi, strawberry season aka the time period during which you get the most juicy, amazing strawberries, does not last very long. In fact, for the past couple of years, by the time I would be over with my exams, the season would have already passed. So, this time, even though I was burdened with my annual exams, I made it a point to bake something with strawberries. This frangipane tart has been on my to-bake list forever and so this was my FIRST strawberry recipe in years. I had last made a frangipane tart with apples in early 2019 when I had a new found amaze with making everything egg-less. Naturally, I tried to make the frangipane; which is usually made with eggs, egg-less. I remember using yoghurt as the substitute but it did not work out and the frangipane never really baked i.e. it remained wet and paste-like. This time, I wanted to try the classic version and paired it with strawberries for a wonderful, mouthwatering sensation. The tart consisted of shortcrust pastry, a layer...

Light, fluffy banana pancakes, topped with roasted walnuts and maple syrup (or honey) and extra slices of banana- these pancakes are super easy to make on a lazy Sunday. Seriously though, aren't pancakes the most easy and delicious breakfast on a lazy day? Using staple pantry ingredients, you can cook a delicious and filling breakfast in no time. I also love pancakes for their versatility. During the winter, treat yourself with pancakes loaded with spices; in the summer, use fresh blueberries for some zing and in the fall; make pumpkin pancakes. However, these pancakes are evergreen. You just need very (extremely) ripe bananas and some good old wooden spoon.  The recipe can be doubled or tripled for as many people as you like and is sure to bring a smile on your loved ones' faces. EQUIPMENT: Large bowl Whisk Spatula Ladle/ Ice Cream scoop Griddle / Non-Stick Pan LIGHT & FLUFFY PANCAKES Total Time: 20 minutes Author: Shreeya Sawhney Serving: 8 Pa ncakes Ingredients:   ...

These are truly the fluffiest cinnamon rolls ever. Filled with aromatic cinnamon and loads of brown sugar, this will definitely become your favourite morning breakfast. Cinnamon rolls may look super intimidating to make but this recipe is nothing but simple. Yet, it packs a punch with the soft and fluffy rolls that are filled with cinnamon and brown sugar, truly delectable. And these might even be better than your favourite bakery's cinnamon rolls. What are Cinnamon Rolls? Cinnamon rolls, or cinnamon buns are loved all over the world. They are soft and fluffy buns that have been smothered with a mixture of cinnamon and brown sugar. Variations include sticky buns, that contain a layer of caramel and nuts to add to your experience. Then there are also Swedish buns that have cardamom, granulated sugar and pistachios. Tips for Using Yeast: 1. There are 2 types of yeast: Active Dry Yeast or Instant Yeast. Active Dry Yeast needs to be activated in warm water with some sugar while the Ins...