Shilpa Seth Bhambri

Forbidden Fruit: Chocolat

Few things can stir up strong emotions in us like food can. The rush of nostalgia and the lump you get in your throat when you eat something that resembles your mother’s cooking? Ever found the world to be a little less intimidating after a plate or two of pizza, pasta, or even a bowl…

Christmas Cheer: Mulled Wine

Come Christmas season, and all we want to do is soak in the holiday spirit with good food and good company! Here is a classic Christmas recipe from Jamie Oliver for Mulled Wine, a warm drink of spiced wine to keep you company through the cold evenings. It is a personal favorite of mine! Enriched…

Taste of an Indian Winter: Carrot Halwa

The Indian winter is truly a season of feasting – the best produce and the most elaborate celebratory recipes! To make the most of fresh carrots this season – here is the classic carrot halwa recipe with a twist – I have used jaggery powder instead of refined sugar for an earthy, nutty taste. Do…

Malted Cocoa Cookies

These are thick chunky cookies, redolent with flavors of malted chocolate and a mild cocoa powder. Elevate them to a super indulgent treat with chopped peanuts, walnuts or chocolate chunks!

Food Films: Rosogolla

There probably isn’t any other Indian sweet as iconic as the Rosogolla. These soft, melt-in-your-mouth spongy orbs of chhena or curdled milk soaked in a sweet sugar syrup continue to be an eternal favourite even today. They have even given rise to legendary wars – of both Indian states of West Bengal & Odisha claiming…

Vegan Organic Cacao Spread

Here is my go-to recipe for a delicious vegan, creamy chocolaty spread using dates as a natural sweetener. Dip into it or eat it with a spoon. No preservatives, no added sugar, and the trans fats are replaced with healthy fats from cashew nuts and coconut oil. What’s not to love? What is the difference…

Dates as a natural sweetener

Dates are the fruit of the date palm tree, grown in many tropical regions of the world. Dates though intensely sweet, do not have much flavour of their own. They have become quite popular in recent years. Most dates sold near us are dried. Fresh dates are available for a short time during the year…

Getting Nostalgic: Hot Fudge Sundae

During my growing up years, many a late evening or lazy afternoon was spent at the superlative Yankee Doodle ice-cream parlor, situated on the Marine Drive facade. It had a cosy garden swing in the middle of its colorful ambience; and a grand range of ice -cream and sundae selections. When it came to desserts,…

Breaking Barriers, Crossing Borders: Julie and Julia

There’s something about good food – it cuts across every conceivable barrier to unite people. And this is exactly what happens in the 2009 film Julie and Julia, an ode to the connective power of food, uniting two women from vastly different eras and backgrounds. Julie and Julia is a true story that is portrayed…

Essential baking equipment and tools

Here is my list of necessary baking equipment and tools, to acquire if you are starting out to bake. A must-have for all bakers! 1. A good oven: Convection ovens without microwaves are recommended. These bake faster than standard baking (OTG) ovens, and because most of them have an inbuilt fan, they give an even…