Thursday, 9 October 2014

**Raffaello Gateau**


This Snow-White Gateau is a dream for all coconut lovers like I am ; if you are one of them then it is the ultimate Gateau for you :)
This time I did not make the typical Zarda for Eid as I wanted something different something creamy something exactly like this : )
 
You can make it for your loved ones on their special day and believe me they will ask for it again and again.
The cake batter I used here is the one I make for the Victoria Sponge Cake, it is important that the sponge is soft and thin and airy, you can follow this link on my site here:
Use the round form for it so you get a lovely grand outcome.
This is how it should Look
 
Now we need to know the things for the layering and the topping.
I use a lot of things for layers and fillings, I just think what would taste good and then I act accordingly.
I do not fill the layers with cream as it gets too heavy, but well this doesn’t mean that it won’t be heavy with the things I have used in it, you will realize after reading the ingredients :D
 
Okay here it goes;
25-30 Raffaello balls
(It’s important that you keep 7-8 Raffaellos in the fridge!!)
1 tin of condensed milk
1 tub of cream Fraiche or heavy sour cream
200 grams of Apricot cream/paste/jam
100-150 desiccated coconut
250 ml whipping cream
1 tbs soft butter
1 sachet of cream stabilizer
 
It is better if all things are prepared ahead, I always start after I have set and laid all out, so I can use them one after the other when I have my hands in the making of the cake.
First of all bake the cake and let it cool down completely, I made It a day before
Then cut the cake either in two or three parts as you wish, I used the easy cake wire, for the even cutting
Separate all layers and place on flat plates
Beat the cream Fraiche slightly with a whisk, mix in the condense milk and let aside
Now open the wrappers of at least 20-22 Raffaellos and put in a nylon bag, now roll over with the rolling pin or crush them gently with the wooden hammer we use to flatten the steak
 
The cream will spread in the bag, never mind, I left some almonds half crushed as i like the crunchy bites ; )
Now mix these crushed Raffaellos in the cream/condense milk together into a smooth cream
Empty the Apricot paste/ jelly in a bowl and whisk smooth
Now spread the condense milk mixture on the first piece of cake, let it sink in the cake, wait 1-2 minutes and then spread the apricot paste/jam on it
Carefully lay the second cake piece on it and repeat the same procedure : condense milk, apricot cream, 1-2 rest time
Now cover the last part, and now just spread the apricot cream on it.

 
Now whisk the whipping cream, add the stabilizer, whisk till it is firm, gently mix in the soft butter and whisk on a low speed so all forms a smooth creamy mixture
Now you can cover the whole cake with this cream starting from the top, to the sides round around
Sprinkle the coconut on the top, then cover all sides.
Now take the rest Raffaellos from the fridge and cut them in halves using a good sharp knife so they don’t break.
Now place them on the top, as many as you like : )
Keep the cake over night COVERED in the fridge, so that it does not absorb the smells of all the other foodstuffs kept in there.
 
The ultra delicious Snow-White dream is ready to serve
Enjoy baking and eating it and I’ll wait for your feedbacks : )
We can make the Ferrero Rocher and the Ferrero Küssen cake the very same way.


Sunday, 5 October 2014

Eid's Hearty Dinner * Stir-Fried Beef topped with Grilled Vegetable*

 
I am so not amused at the outcome of the pictures but well, the outcome of the dish was so extreme tasty that i just ignored and uploaded this here specially for you all who requested  for the quick recipe :D
 I think i will just write down in the fast mode simple yet understandable so you can set your Hands on it may be today or tomorrow :)
 
 
It is just a work of some hours.... lolz kidding:P........ of some 100 minutes
You have to marinate it overnight that is important to gain the real spicy taste with is to be felt in each fiber :)
Okay will just jot down under each Picture so you can follow quickly, i did not take any while i was marinating but i am sure you'll do it with left !
I buy the Beef Fillet for this and have it cut in thin slices and then cut them into fine stripes myself, just flatten them very slightly with the wooden meat hammer
So you need to roast these spices slightly, you can taste and add more or reduce accordingly
I just add and check, i don’t measure any more, but i am doing it since Long so i  feel it, but anyone trying to cook for the first time please do add spoon wise and Keep checking to avoid any blunder.
1 kg Beef Fillet
 
The spices:
1 ½ tsp salt
1 ½ tsp red chili flakes
1 tsp garam masala
1 ½ tsp cumin powder
¼ tsp turmeric
1 tsp almond powder (grinded)
½ tsp seasam powder (grinded)
Roast all these and keep to aside to cool down
1 ½ tsp fresh grated garlic
1 tsp fresh grated ginger
2-3 tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
300 gram yoghurt
2 tbs chili garlic sauce
¼ cup oil
I also sprinkled some drops of hot sauce :)
Now mix all these in the yoghurt + oil into a paste form and then marinate the meat well and thoroughly
Next day, heat ¼ cup oil and add this marinated meat to it and first cook on a high heat till all opens up and the yoghurt seems watery, then lower the flame and cook around 20 minutes
DON’T overcook as fillet is done fast.
Dry the excess water till it seems like nice thick gravy as you see in the Picture
 
Now you need to prepare the Vegetable
You need
2 carrots
4-5 green chilies
2 Zucchinis
1 green paprika
1 red paprika
2 red onions
10 cherry tomatoes
Wash all and dry them well
Now cut all in fine slices length wise not circles!
 
Take a baking try, spry some oil on it and place all the vegetables on it
Now sprinkle salt black pepper from the mill, some red chili flakes, few drops of garlic oil, I sprinkled some Italian herbs, like rosemary and thyme and some rock salt
Now mix al well with both hands and spread all well
First cook all these in a preheated oven for 15 minutes, the Veg will get half done
Now switch on the grill on 200° C and place the tray directly under it and let all grill, turn all vegetable once so all gets roasted.
In the mean while cook the Basmati rice and drain and let aside
Now take another baking tray, place the rice,first, spread the Stir-Fried beef and top with the Veg and once again let it heat up in the oven for 10 minutes
 
 
 
So now you will see all drooling around you as you take the tray out of the oven: D
It is indescribable how yummy it is I tell you, I have made it the third time now, I serve it with just the tomato chutney and salad, you don’t need anything else, just enjoy the  divine taste and remember me while eating it and share your pictures, I’d be so glad to see them :)
 
 
 

Saturday, 4 October 2014

*Kul A'aam Wantum Bakhair* Eid-Ul-Azha Mabrook :)

(All Pictures are courtesy Google)
 
A very very blessed Eid-ul-Azha to all my Family and Friends and all my Muslim Readers around the Globe. May you all be showered with love and happiness and HIS Blessings Ameen
 
No matter far or near, you are in my heart and thoughts, wish you a day full of peace and joy Ameen:)
 
 

Greeting in Urdu for all my loved ones :)