COOKIES AND BISCUITS

MINT(PUDINA)-CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

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This mint is not peppermint, or spear mint, it is the mint used for biriyanis etc.To make it clear only I had bracketed in

the title.

Well…the taste and colour was good and something different .As I baked this for the first time I made 3 varieties ,one

with almonds to top, another with cashews, and finally only chocolate chips.Confused to endorse rankings as all 3

tasted good.Soon to try the salt recipe and post.

Let’s get into today’s recipe….

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup mint leaves only

1 egg

100 gm butter (room temperature)

100 gm sugar (white.. if you want the look of green)

200 gm flour mixed with 1 tsp baking powder

a pinch of salt (if using unsalted butter)

chocolate chips

nuts of your choice

METHOD

Blend the sugar and mint well.

Beat the butter till creamy and add the mint mix.

Beat egg lightly and add to the butter mix.

Lightly fold in the flour and blend well.

You can add the chocolate chips finally or just press on each cookie before baking.

If you get a sticky dough, cover and leave in the fridge for some time.(20 minutes)

Divide into portions and place on a greased baking tray 1 inch apart.

Bake in 180C oven for 15-20 minutes and allow to cool.(cookies will turn crisp after it has cooled ).

NOTE:You could dip half of cookie in melted chocolate for a visual treat ..!

Would love to get your comments and experiences on how the recipe turned out for you ..Happy baking!

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ORANGE-WHITE CHOCOLATE BLONDIES

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Blondies are nothing but a variant of a brownie without the dark chocolate.This tastes more of a cookie.

This recipe that I’m going to share with you today has a mix of orange juice, orange rind and white

chocolate chips.The combination was absolutely excellent.

An excellent bite for tea!So do try this combination and post in your comments and suggestions.

To the recipe

INGREDIENTS

100 gm butter

2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tbsp cornflour

1 heaped cup brown sugar(100-125 gm)

Juice of 1 big orange

Grated rind of 1 orange

1/4-1/2 cup white chocolate chips

2 eggs

1/2 tsp vanilla essence

a pinch of mace powder

METHOD

Melt butter lightly and add the sugar.

Beat well,add orange juice, eggs and continue to beat for 2 minutes.

Sift the flour, cornflour,baking powder together, and add to the prepared egg mixture.

Mix in the remaining ingredients,and mix lightly using a spatula.

Transfer to a greased and lined tray.

Bake for 30-35 minutes at 180C.

Addition of nuts is your preference.

GINGER-CHOCONUT COOKIES

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INGREDIENTS

2.5 cups flour

100 gm unsalted butter

2 tsp dry ginger powder

1 egg

1 tsp soda bicarbonate

1 +1/4 cups soft brown sugar/ country sugar

4 tbsp honey / golden syrup

1/4 tsp nutmeg powder

A pinch of cinnamon powder

A pinch of salt

Chocolate chips

Nuts ( walnut&cashew)

METHOD

Excluding the chocolate chips and nuts,mix

the rest of the ingredients together.

Divide portions and place each on a greased

baking tray.Press each portion to make a

cookie .

I made 3 variations of cookies from the same

dough.

•A plain ginger cookie

•Ginger-chocolate and walnut

•Ginger-chocolate and cashew nut.

Festive seasons make your imaginations frisky

to try out different recipes.

My favourite childhood biscuits were ginger

biscuits.I love the taste and aroma of these

biscuits.In fact,there was a bakery close to my

parental home,which baked these ginger

cookies almost daily .When it is 3 in the

evening the aroma of these cookies captivate

the air around,and the biscuit jars will be full

instantly.😀

I have posted the recipe with 2 variations of

nuts and chocolate.You could add ginger chips

if you need the extra punch of ginger.

Any type of your favourite nuts,may be added .

So do try this recipe needed for the season.

Tip:To make mixing more easier,grate the

butter into the flour.

Do not knead the mixture .

Even if it looks like breadcrumbs,in the

process of mixing ,you will be able to make

cookie balls.

WHEAT ‘N’ NUTS JAGGERY COOKIE

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This is a no sugar cookie,and no white flour

cookie .

Crunchy,tasty,healthy cookie !

Do try this recipe and post in your comments.

To the recipe now

INGREDIENTS

2 cups wheat flour

1/4 cup finely sliced almonds

1/2 cup coconut flakes

1.5 cups country sugar/ jaggery

1 tsp cardamon powder

1/2 cup rawa ( semolina)

100 gm butter/ghee

1/2 cup milk /almond milk

1.5 tsp baking powder

METHOD

•Mix all ingredients together,and bind to a

dough ( lightly crumbly ).

•Divide into portions,flatten lightly and place

on a greased tray or parchment paper.

• Bake at 180C for 15-20 minutes .

TIRAMISU

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Tiramisu is a layered cold dessert,originating

from the Italian cuisine .An unique coffee,

chocolate flavoured dessert,with created layers

of mascarpone cheese,eggs,cream,and sponge

cake ( made like finger biscuits ).

There seems to be many variants of this dessert

with many flavours,but the authentic tiramisu

has coffee,chocolate,liquor ( Marsala) flavours.

Though the rise of eggless versions are seen,the

authentic one has eggs,which are added raw or

slightly made sterile on a bain-Marie.( double

boiler).If you have pre-made the biscuits,it’s

just few minutes to this lovely dessert.Store

bought lady finger biscuits,amaretto biscuits

can be used in the making .

To the recipe now

INGREDIENTS

To make the sponge lady fingers

3 egg whites

A pinch of salt

3 egg yolks

50-60 gm sugar

50-60 gm flour +1 tsp cornflour

2 tsp powdered sugar ( to sprinkle on top,

before baking

1/2 tsp vanilla essence

Method

Beat egg whites stiff with salt, and set aside.

Add yolks and sugar in another bowl and beat

till creamy .

Mix in the flour,egg whites ,and blend with a

spatula .

Pipe into finger shapes.

Sprinkle powdered sugar on the top and bake

for 20 minutes or till done .

You can bake in a Swiss roll baking tray ,

and cut into strips too .

To prepare the cream

200 gm mascarpone cheese

3 -4 tbsp sugar ( I used brown sugar )

2 egg yolks

1 cup fresh cream

2 egg whites

1 tbsp Marsala wine,or any liquor ( I used

brandy )

Method

Lightly cook the eggs and sugar on a double

boiler for 1 minute,and set aside.

Beat the egg whites till stiff peaks form.

Beat the cheese,add in the lightly beaten cream

and beat till no lumps are seen.

Mix in the rest of the ingredients and set aside .

Eggless version:Eggs can be replaced with

hung curd (3/4 cup)

For the coffee syrup ( for dipping biscuits)

150 ml coffee ( 1-2 tsp instant coffee and water)

1 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp liquor.

Mix all the ingredients together and set aside .

For the final assembly

Ingredients

Grated chocolate

Cocoa powder

The authentic tiramisu is said to have a round

shape,but as we have the liberty to make into

any shapes,it’s your option in choosing the

shape .

It could be made in individual cups too.

So …now for the assembly-dip each sponge

finger in the coffee syrup,and layer the tray .

Next add a layer of the cheese mixture .

Add grated chocolate ( preferably dark)over the

cream .

Next,add another layer of dipped biscuits.

Then the cream mixture .

It should finish with the cream mixture at the

top.

Then again grated chocolate.( This is optional )

Dust cocoa powder ( unsweetened) to cover the

cream finally ,and refrigerate till set .

PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

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I’m not a fan of peanut butter,but my kids

are ,so baked a batch of peanut butter cookies.

This method and recipe was a lazy method of

mine .

Crunchy ,baked a batch with chocolate chips

too,by planting the chips ( not mixing in )on the

same dough.

Peanut butter lovers will love these cookies.

So do try and post in your comments!

INGREDIENTS

2 heaped cup all purpose flour

100 gm butter

2 eggs

3/4 cup peanut butter

2 tbsp milk powder

1 cup sugar ( 1/2 brown + 1/2 granulated)

Few chocolate chips

METHOD

•Add flour,baking powder,milk powder in a

bowl.

•Grate the butter ( cold butter) and add to the

flour .

•Lightly beat sugar,with eggs and peanut

butter,and mix into the flour and bind to a

firm dough

•Divide into portions and slightly press on the

top of each dough.

•You could press on chocolate chips after

laying it on the tray,or mix into the dough .

•Bake in a 175 preheated oven for 25 minutes.

EARL GREY TEA,CARDAMON ROCK CAKES

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Yet another combination to innovated Rock

cakes.

This is made with infused tea and cardamon

powder,and ginger powder.

Tea with these tea rock cakes was awesome !

Do try this variation and post in your feedback.

INGREDIENTS ( makes 15)

100 gm butter

1 cup sugar

2 cups flour + 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 egg

2 tea bags ( earl grey )

1/2 cup milk + water ( mixed)

1 tsp cardamon powder

1/4 tsp ginger powder

Few cashewnuts chopped

A pinch of salt ( use only if you are using

unsalted butter)

METHOD

•Heat milk and water, add tea bags and boil till

it’s deep dark colour ,and set aside.

•Beat butter and sugar till sugar melts.

•Add egg and beat lightly.

•Mix in the infused tea,cardamom ginger

powders.

Fold in the flour and cashews and mix .

Place rustic portions on a greased tray and

bake in a preheated 180C oven for 25 minutes.

The bottom of the cookie should be brown.

BLUEBERRY,CARDAMON BROWNIE ROCK CAKE

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Those who are following me know that I’m

trying out varieties of these rock cakes .Rock

cake like cookies . They are soft inside and melt

in mouth cakes, and easy to make.

This time I mixed half almond flour and half

all purpose flour ,and the texture was good .

I used blueberry ( as it’s in season ).You can use

any other berries of your choice .

Now to the recipe ..

INGREDIENTS

100 gm butter

100 gm sugar ( use half brown sugar)

2 tbsp.cocoa powder ( unsweetened)

100 gm almond flour

100 gm all purpose flour

1/4 cup milk

2 eggs

1 tsp baking powder

3-4 tsp cardamon powder

A few blueberries

A pinch of salt

METHOD

Melt the butter and chocolate in a bain-marie

( double boiler) .

Beat eggs,sugar,cardamon powder,salt together

for few minutes.

Mix the egg mixture in to the chocolate mixture

Mix the flours and baking powder together

Fold the mixed flour into the chocolate mixture

and mix till well blended with milk .

Even if the mixture looks thick do not worry,it

will be soft .

Place rustic spoonfuls in a greased tray ,and

bake in a 180 C oven for 25 minutes.

Allow to cool and store .

Can be served with ice cream too😋.

MOCHA ROCK CAKES

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This is a classic combination for rock cakes.

Rock cakes are a favourite in my home ,and I’m

into trying all possible combinations .

This cookie like cake is easy to make,and great

when you serve for tea.

This dough is coffee flavour,and little chips of

chocolate was added,with walnuts.No heavy

beating is required,and no use of beaters too .

The aroma whilst baking was awesome!

Do try this recipe and keep posting your

comments !

INGREDIENTS

100 gm butter

100 gm sugar ( I mixed half brown and white)

1 tbsp milk powder/ milk

1-2 tsp instant coffee mixed in a little water

1 tsp curd( optional)

1 egg

200 gm flour

A handful of chocolate chips

Few crushed walnuts

METHOD

Beat butter and sugar together.Add in the

egg ,coffee and milk and beat for a few minutes

(2 minutes is more than enough).

Fold in the rest of the ingredients and lightly

mix with spatula .

Place spoonfuls creating rustic shapes ,and

bake in a preheated 180C oven for 20-25

minutes.

LEMON ‘N’CHOCOLATE ROCK CAKES

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This is easiest cookie type cake anyone could

make.

I have posted 2 versions of this rock cakes .

Checkout links

https://calinskitchen.com/2018/04/17/rock-cakes/

https://calinskitchen.com/2019/11/05/choconut-rock-cakes/

Moving to the recipe…

INGREDIENTS

100 gm butter

100 gm sugar

1/2 tsp grated lemon rind

1tsp lemon juice

200 gm flour

1 egg

Cashew or Almonds to add to the top

METHOD

Cream butter and sugar and add the rest of the

ingredients .Fold in the flour and mix with a

spatula until well combined.

Scoop out portions into a greased baking tray.

Make rustic shapes like rocks and bake in a

180C oven for 20-25 minute

Drizzle with chocolate .

Chocolate chips can ge added salt a variation

The same recipe can be made with orange .

KAJADA SWEET (South Indian bakery snack)

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This is a sweet snack crispy outside,and a cake

like texture inside . A quick dish,to be served at

tea . This can be made and stored too.Fried like

Donut , and the authentic ‘Kajada ‘should have

cracks on the top .

Expert hands make this to get cracks to

resemble a flower .

Well, I tried this for tea today . The taste is like

a tiny muffin but crispier .

Let’s get into the recipe now

INGREDIENTS

1 cup all purpose flour

2 tblsp.semolina

2 tblsp rice flour

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 egg beaten well

2 tsp curd

1 tblsp heated ghee/butter

Milk / water for binding

A pinch of baking soda

a pinch of salt

1/2 tsp cardamon powder/ vanilla essence

Oil for frying

METHOD

Mix all the ingredients together . The result will

be a sticky dough .

Cover the dough, and allow to rest for 20

minutes .

After the resting time,grease the palm of your

hands and make individual ball like portions.

Deep fry on a medium flame till golden brown

and crisp .

Enjoy the simple, and delicious snack at tea,

and post in your comments!

CHOCOLATE BADUSHA

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Badusha/Balushahi or oriental donuts is akin to

donut excluding yeast. I have posted the basic

recipe of this sweet with a variation of coconut

in my previous posts!

Now ,today I present to you my recipe of

chocolate badusha .

INGREDIENTS

2 .5 cups of all purpose flour

2 -2.5 tblsp cocoa powder

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp. baking soda

a pinch of salt

4 tblsp melted butter

Water/ milk to bind to a dough

For the syrup

3-4 cups sugar

1/2 -1 cup water

1/2 tsp. cardamon powder

A pinch of grated nutmeg

A small piece of alum/a drop of lime juice ( to

prevent crystallisation )

1 tsp ghee ( optional) to add after the syrup

is done.

METHOD

Mix the flour with baking powder , soda,salt .

Add the melted butter ,and enough water to

bind to a soft dough and set aside for thirty

minutes.

Prepare the syrup till slightly thick .

Make tiny portions from the prepared dough.

Make a thumb impression on each portion and

fry in oil till golden brown

Drop in the prepared syrup . Allow to coat well

for few minutes . Garnish with almonds or any

nuts of your choice.

You can add grated chocolate and desiccated

coconut for a variation

Method for syrup

Add all ingredients except ghee and cook till

thick. Add ghee.

Add fried badushas .

Try this and send in your valuable comments!

KAJA SWEET

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This sweet is a delicacy of both India and

Nepal.

The sweet is closely likened to a baklava ,

crunchy and sweet.

This crunchy swirl is easy to make if done with

care and little effort.

So let’s get into the recipe …

INGREDIENTS ( 20 pieces)

1.5 cups flour

2 tblsp ghee

a pinch of salt

1 tblsp ghee ( for applying between layers)

1/2 tsp cardamon powder

For the syrup

2 cups sugar

1/4 cup water

A tiny piece of alum( Patika) – optional

Oil for frying

METHOD

Mix the flour, ghee,salt and enough water to

bind to a soft dough.

Cover and set aside for 30 minutes.

After the resting time,roll the dough into one

thin sheet.

Apply 1 tblsp ghee , sprinkle a little flour and

slowly roll into a thin long roll.

Cut into pieces , press on each portion and roll

slightly.

Heat oil to high , switch off the flame then add

the rolled pieces.Once the pieces float , switch

on the flame again to high and fry to a golden

brown.

This way fry all the pieces and drop it hot in the

prepared syrup for 3-5 seconds. Allow to cool.

For the syrup

Heat the sugar, water, alum, cardamon powder

and make a syrup till sugar dissolves.

The syrup should be hot when the fried kajas

are dropped.

Do try this crunchy sweet and post in your

comments and suggestions !

CHOCONUT ROCK CAKES

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Rock cakes are cookie type cakes , easy to make no definite shape , and within minutes

it’s done!

I have posted a rock cake recipe with raisins before. ROCK CAKES  (link to recipe)

This one is with coconut and chocolate with raisins . I baked one batch without raisins .

Both were equally tasty!

So.. do try, my version of this recipe ,and post in your comments!

INGREDIENTS

2 cups of all purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 cup grated coconut / desiccated coconut

1/2 cup chocolate chips

100 gm butter

75-100 gm brown sugar

a pinch of cinnamon powder

2 eggs

a pinch of salt

1/2 tsp almond essence

1/2 tsp vanilla essence

METHOD

Mix the flour and coconut ( resembling bread crumbs) .

Add the dry ingredients.

Beat eggs lightly and add to the dough .

Lightly mix in with your hands to form a crumbly dough (like cookie)

Place  spoonsful (use an ice cream scoop) on parchment paper or a well

greased tray.

Bake in a moderate oven (180C) till done .

The bottom of the cake should be golden brown.(correct consistency)

ALMOND JAPONAISE CAKE

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This pastry is an addictive one . The first time I tasted it was too awesome .

Once I got the recipe ,I’m trying it too often ,with filling innovations .

Check my cashewnut version of the same.

This will be with coffee filling .

Now for the recipe

INGREDIENTS

3 egg whites

1/4 tsp cream of tartar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

4 tsp corn flour

3/4 cup powdered almonds

1 tblsp milk or milk powder

METHOD

Beat the egg whites. When it starts to foam, add the cream of tartar and beat to a stiff

froth.

Add sugar gradually ,and beat to a stiff froth( it should stand in peaks)

Mix the grounded  almonds and cornflour together .

Fold gradually into the egg whites .

Make circle patterns on a parchment sheet .Turn the sheet to the other side and pipe into

the drawn circles .

Bake in a slow oven 175-160 degrees, for 25 – 35 minutes till light brown .

Allow to cool in the oven itself ( it will turn crisp)

To prepare the filling

Heat the sugar and water till, sugar dissolves and slightly syrupy.

Beat the egg yolks till creamy.

Drizzle in,the  hot sugar syrup into the yolk mixture ,whilst beater is on and beat till

creamy .

Add the butter cubes one by one and beat well .

Allow to rest in the fridge till the meringues cool .

Then, beat again lightly till creamy ( do not beat too much)

Now, sandwich generously (the flat side of the meringue should be the top and the

base)

Coat with powdered almonds

You can drizzle chocolate if you like.

CASHEWNUT JAPONAISE CAKE

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This is a meringue based cake , sandwiched with a filling made with butter, egg

yolks,sugar and flavouring,and coated with a nutty mixture.

Some use powdered biscuits or breadcrumbs for coating . Whipping cream can be used

for a variation .

The flavourings can be coffee, light chocolate,….I did a passion fruit this time.

Anyway, let your innovations wild and try your ideas too.

As I promised, now I’m sharing the cashewnut based Japonaise cake .

Note: The meringue has to be piped uniformly.

INGREDIENTS

For the meringue

3 egg whites

1/4 tsp. cream of tartar / vinegar/ lime

1/2 cup granulated sugar

4 tsp corn flour

1/2 cup ground cashew nuts

For the filling

3 egg yolk

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup water

1 /2 tsp. vanilla

100 gm butter

1/2-1 cup powdered cashewnuts ( for coating)

METHOD

Beat the egg whites. When it starts to foam ,add the cream of tartar and beat to a stiff

froth.

Add sugar gradually and beat to a stiff froth ( it should stand in peaks)

Mix the grounded cashewnut and corn flour.

Fold into the egg whites gradually.

Make circle patterns on a parchment sheet .

Turn the sheet to the other side and pipe into the drawn circles .

Bake in a slow oven 175-160 degrees for 25 – 35 minutes till light brown .

Allow to cool in the oven itself ( it will turn crisp)

To prepare the filling

Heat the sugar and water till sugar dissolves ,and slightly syrupy.

Beat the egg yolks till creamy.

Drizzle in the hot sugar syrup into the yolk mixture, whilst beater is on and beat till

creamy .

Add the butter cubes one by one and beat well .

Allow to rest in fridge till the meringues cool .

Then beat  the yolk and butter mixture again lightly till creamy ( do not beat too much)

Now, sandwich generously (the flat side of the meringue should be the top and the base)

Coat with powdered cashew nuts.

You can drizzle  with chocolate if you like.