Crunchy, minty, decadent – the irresistible chocolate fudge…

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This is a luscious dessert; with all things sinful. Let your teeth bite into a layer of dark chocolate, and pleasure yourself with the soft soaked intoxicating  interior; the kind that makes you close your eyes and feel that warm feeling running through you. A decadent dessert, perfect for the holidays and parties.

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Pears soaked and bathed in wine, juice and spices transform themselves into luscious jewels. A very elegant dessert indeed!

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Or A Non Traditional Shrikhand …

Shrikhand is a delightful Indian sweet dish (esp. In the Western Region of India) made with strained creamy yogurt,  often with fruit pulps or pieces of fruits added to it. Saffron, Cardamom & Sugar are used  to enhance the taste & flavor. It is very easy to make, with very little ingredients, most of which one would always have at home. Here is some information from Wiki…

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My hubby celebrated his birthday a couple of days back. Our 3 year old woke up in the morning -hugged, kissed & wished him. She also reminded him “Don’t forget to wear your crown”, just as he was walking out of the door for work, with no doubt in her mind that he is going through deal of crown, birthday song, cupcakes and cheers…. (more…)

Back to Pre School basics – Red & Blue makes Purple. For almost a month I had been brainstorming to cook something purple or black. Harini’s (sunshinemom) FIC event of this month almost made me loose my sleep. Whenever there is a challenge, I do not feel like cooking something which I have done before. It is always more fun to experiment & come up with something new. Thats the whole purpose, isn’t it?

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Even though Fall has officially made its entry here, the summer colors are still dominant. The morning and evening air is sure cool and crispy but gets pretty warm during the day. The markets are still displaying abundance of summer fruits, the color and texture of which are tough to resist. The maples leaves are confused to whether it is time it should turn red or still be green.

But it is definitely pleasant and the drone of the air condition is almost gone. And it is very very nice to sit outside in the yard in the evenings… and relax, watch the kids frolicking in high spirits.

Talking of spirits… I decided to add some to my fruit salad this time. Nice change to the already delicious fruit mix. There is no rule to what fruits you can add, just toss in whatever you personally find sensational. I have only written about what i used this particular time. I always use nuts whenever I make a fruit salad, any kind of nut. Clementines and berries would have been a lovely touch to this, but I did not have any at hand. But I did use fresh juicy figs. Figs have just awesome color, texture and taste. This actually turned out to be a great refreshing  dessert for us – a well balanced harmony of color, taste and flavor.

This is being sent to real Epicurean’s “In the Bag” for ITB September: Fruit and Nuts

Ingredients:

1. 1 Nectarine chopped
2. 1 Plum Chopped
3. 1 Apple Chopped
4. 6 Fresh Figs vertically sliced
5. 1 Banana chopped
6. 6 Strawberries (Slice 4 and Leave 2 for garnish)
7. 5 tablespoons Pecans ( may be substituted with walnuts)
8. 2 tablespoons of Raisins
9. Pinch of Fresh Rosemary
10. 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
11. A Splash of Peach Schnapp (Liqueur)
12. 2 teaspoons Clover Honey
13. 1 tablespoon sugar
14. 1″ Ginger grated & the juice squeezed out to be used.
15. A Pinch of Sea Salt
16. 4 tablespoons Heavy Creme (or readymade Cool Whip)

Preparation:

Chop all the fruits except the figs and toss together in a bowl along with the nuts, rosemary, sugar, & salt.

Whisk together ginger juice, lemon juice, & honey and stir it in the fruits. Add a splash of Peach Schnapp. Cover the bowl tight and shake the bowl for about 7-8 times. This makes the fruits release their juice. The juice at the end of the salad is the best part. Now add the figs. Cover & chill it for atleast 1/2 hour. Serve Cold.

Beat the Heavy Creme till it forms soft peaks. Layer fruits with creme in individual glasses. Top with strawberries. Serve Immediately.

Note:   Use gently ripe fruits, not the fruits which are rock hard!

            I sometimes substitute the Creme with Vanilla/Peach Icecream, or Vanilla Icecream with  a drizzle of Peach Schnapp. Do use your favorite.