The Secret Recipe Club has a relatively new - fifth Monday - event that blurs the lines between the groups. You can be assigned to any other participating blogger in groups A through D. Naturally, I jumped right in.
Our theme this month: Holiday Treats. I was assigned to Tara's Multicultural Table, a blog written by Tara. I was so excited to explore her blog more. We've crossed paths before. She's taken part in different recipe round-ups I've hosted. And, most recently, she organized a virtual baby shower for another blogging friend - Lauren of Sew You Think You Can Cook - and I was reminded about the warmth of the blogging community.
So, into her blog I delved. Though I did get sidetracked by her recipes by location in the world, I stayed mostly in her desserts category. I considered her Vanillekipferl (Austrian Vanilla Crescent Cookies), Raivas (Portuguese Cinnamon Cookies), and Ka’ak b’sukar (Syrian Sugar Cookies).
I was more than a little intrigued by her Malabi with Orange Brandy Sauce, Chinese Peanut Dumplings in Ginger Syrup, and Kaber Ellouz (Tunisian Almond Balls).
But in the end, I decided to try her Shrikhand (Indian Yogurt Pudding with Saffron, Cardamom, and
Toasted Nuts) because I am auditioning recipes for a themed dinner in December. This was the perfect dessert - not too complicated and easy to do ahead of time. I made a few adaptations, reducing the sugar and adding a few more spices, but the idea was the same. And it was a hit!
Shrikhand
Indian Yogurt Pudding with Saffron, Cardamom, and
Toasted Nuts
slightly adapted from Tara's Multicultural Table's Shrikhand
- 3 C whole milk plain drained yogurt or 2 C Greek yogurt
- 2 T whole organic milk
- Pinch saffron (approximately 10 threads)
- 3 T organic granulated sugar
- pinch ground cardamom
- pinch ground cinnamon
- pinch freshly grated nutmeg
- pinch ground ginger
- pinch ground allspice
- 2 T unsweetened shredded coconut, for garnish
- 2 T sliced almonds, for garnish
- 2 T pistachios, for garnish
In a small saucepan, combine the milk and saffron over low
heat just until just warmed. Remove from
heat, cover, and allow to steep for 60 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk in sugar, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. Add the saffron-steeped milk, until you get a distinct saffron flavor. I used it all though Tara used only about a teaspoon.
Cover the yogurt and refrigerate for up to 1
day.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Place coconut, almonds, and pistachios on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Toast toppings for 5 to 7 minutes, until fragrant.
Spoon yogurt into individual serving dishes. Top
with toasted toppings. Serve immediately.
This looks lovely and I have all the needed ingredients (except pistachios) on hand.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize you got paired with Tara - but that was a seriously perfect fit for you!! Happy reveal day :)
ReplyDeleteHow interesting and I'm bookmarking it for a future dinner I'm hosting, would make the perfect dessert.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea to serve with toasted toppings - I'm very tempted by the vanilla crescents x
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like such a wonderful, fragrant dessert! Perfect choice to share today.
ReplyDeleteThat looks so good! All those spices sound heavenly.
ReplyDeleteWhat a unique dessert! Love the flavors.
ReplyDeleteYou must've had a hard time picking one recipe for this reveal. We love Shrikhand and yours looks really good.
ReplyDeleteI've never even heard of Shrikhand. What a delicious looking recipe. Great SRC pick this month! Traci, BurntApple
ReplyDeleteLove it! It reminds me of payasam.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words :) So glad you enjoyed it! I recently learned of a beverage that uses this as a base: Piyush
ReplyDeleteIt would be so hard to pick a sweet from Tara's blog!
ReplyDelete