Love & Cheesecake’s strawberry-themed sweets are nothing short of a postcard from the verdant slopes of Mahabaleshwar, a delightful feast for your eyes and senses.

A Strawberry Layered Cheesecake, constructed with a soft vanilla sponge, is topped with fresh strawberry cheesecake frosting and numerous rings of strawberry slices. Love & Cheesecake is a curated mix of delectable strawberry treats from India’s famous Patisserie. Their Fresh Strawberry & Nutella Cheesecake, a stunning union of Nutella and strawberries, is layered with chocolate sponge, Nutella cheesecake icing, and exquisite strawberries.

Their delectable Strawberry Bavarian Chocolate Cake, a dream for chocolate lovers, is a Belgian chocolate marquise stacked with a chocolate sponge and topped with strawberries covered in chocolate. Additionally, their luscious no-bake Strawberry Jello Cheesecake, which has a crumbly vanilla cookie foundation and is filled with juicy strawberry jelly and strawberries, is available for those who are feeling brave and stunning.

Other mouthwatering options include the Strawberry Tres de Leche, a super-soft sponge cake soaked in three types of milk, topped with fresh strawberries, and surrounded by crumbly finger biscuits; the mesmerising Strawberry Kouglof; the Strawberry Pavlova; and the Strawberry Swiss Roll; all of which have fresh strawberries and vanilla pastry cream as well as a base of creamy, chewy meringue. What’s best? All cheesecakes are incredibly tasty and 100% egg-free.

Christmas is about celebration, festivities and joy. The joy of life. The joy of sharing and caring. The joy of giving. Christmas is a potpourri of images that grip you with nostalgia and return you to years of childhood innocence. The decked-up Christmas tree with shimmering decorative baubles and twinkling lights, the gifts in the stockings to light up the faces of little angels, the midnight mass. And the gift-giving season has officially arrived Love & Cheesecake.

The classic Christmas Plum Cake is packed with a variety of festive feelings. The fruits are soaked two months in advance at Love and Cheesecake. The Christmas cake is generously packed in with apricots, prunes, cranberries, almonds, raisins and cherries. And, it’s beautifully presented, making it a great centrepiece for your table – or for a friend or family member – perfect as an after-dinner treat to share this festive season.

The Christmas Yule Log and the Eggnog Baked Cheesecakes are a great choice for festive traditionalists, as they fit in so nicely with what’s such an important Christmas tradition in many households, but with a fun chocolatey, cheesecake twist. The Yule Log at Love and Cheesecake is a deep, dark chocolate cake rolled with a glossy ganache and topped with Christmas goodies. The Eggnog Cheesecake is a unique patisserie rendition of your favourite holiday beverage.

For little ones, it’s got to be the Christmas Cookie Baubles, a collection of customisable ginger and butter cookies. Then there’s the Merry & Bright Christmas Cupcakes, a lovely little combination of red, green and white festive cupcakes topped with edible Christmas elements. The cupcakes come in red velvet, blueberry and vanilla flavours.

The jolly season is around the corner, gear up to celebrate Santa’s arrival with delicious festive donuts by Mad over Donuts. Exclusively curated to make your mood merrier.

This exciting range of Christmas-themed donuts – Jelly Jolly Cap, Snowman Treat, and Strawberry Santa are assembled with love as a thoughtful gift for your loved ones. The ‘Jelly Jolly Cap’ is shaped to resemble Santa’s hat and is filled with some yummy vanilla custard. It is further garnished with red strawberry jelly on white butter-cream to elevate the Christmas mood.

The most loved donut of the season is ‘Strawberry Santa’ with a honey dark chocolate filling that will surely add merry to your celebrations. Lastly, the super special ‘Snowman Treat’ dipped in white chocolate and filled with strawberry jelly, is garnished with icing sugar and a red scarf to add a cute lil’ touch of winter to the range.

Well, it’s time to tune in the Christmas bells and jingle our way to the festive season with this celebratory Xmas range by Mad Over Donuts. A perfect gift to pamper your inner ‘Circle Of Happiness’ at Christmas get-togethers, parties, and festive events, these Donuts are all about love, joy, and merriment.

What are you waiting for? Stock in the sock asap!

As October ends, it brings with it the spooktacular festival of Halloween. From dressing up in scary costumes to indulging in one too many freaky treats, ‘Tis the season to be terrified. The Finch Mumbai, has taken the onus upon themselves to provide little munchkins with a positively terrifying experience, by putting together an enthralling Halloween themed platter.

Uplifting the spirit of the occasion, the platter will don specially crafted delicacies like, delicious Oreo Shake, Scary smileys, Haunted Penne Pasta in Mix sauce, Margherita Pizza and a Banana Walnut Muffin. Starting from 24^th to 30^th October, from 12 to 7 pm and full day on 31^st October, the special offer is applicable for two kids below 10 years accompanied by one adult. Not just that a special surprise awaits for the best face painting. Patrons can also binge on delicious bites from the Halloween special menu like Zombie Cigar, Devilish Prawn, Dementor Kofta, Screaming Spicy Arrabiata and wicked mutton biryani to name a few. Desserts like Death by Chocolate will send literal and celebratory chills down your spine.

Indulge in these specially curated experiences By Finch Mumbai, that promise to be frighteningly experiential!

Gutti Vankaya Koora

Chef KSR Murty Sitaram, Chef De Cuisine, DoubleTree by Hilton Pune-Chinchwad.

Meal Preparation Time: 35 – 40 Mins
Serves: 02
Ingredients:
Brinjal – 8 Nos. Medium
Tamarind Pulp – 3 Tbsp
Onion – 120 grams
Dry Masala Ingredients:
Dry Red Chillies – 6 Nos.
Peanuts – 60 grams
Sesame Seeds – 30 grams
Coriander Seeds – 15 grams
Cumin Seeds – 15 grams
Cardamom – 4 Pods
Garlic – 6 Pods
Coconut Fresh – 100 grams
Bengal Gram – 1 Tbsp

Tempering Ingredients:
Cumin Seeds – 2 Tsp
Curry Leaves – Few
Mustard Seeds – 1 Tsp
Oil – 3 Tbsp
Bay Leaf – 2 Nos.

Method of Preparation:
To prepare Gutti Vankaya Recipe (Andhra Style Stuffed Brinjal), get small brinjals since the smaller ones will be easy to have with phulkas or Rotis. Slit them twice diagonally 3/4th long such that you do not disturb their stalk/ crown. You should have perfectly slit brinjals ready for filling from all 4 sides when you do this.

On a medium flame in a deep pan, bring tamarind extract and salt in sufficient water to boil. Switch off the flame and drop the brinjals in and close the lid. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, on a pan with little oil, shallow fry onions till soft. Wet grind with a little tamarind- salt water that is used to half boil the brinjals and keep aside.

Take a Kadai to dry roast all the ingredients mentioned under roast and grind over medium flame. Take off the Kadai when aromatic and let it cool a bit. Use a mixer grinder to make semi-fine powder. Mix Haldi/ turmeric and salt as required to this powder.

Mix this powder with wet ground sauteed onions. Add a small amount of tamarind- salt water to make very thick gravy and fill inside the brinjals. Keep aside. Prepare tadka with oil. Add in jeera, bay leaves, and curry leaves. When they splutter, add stuffed brinjals and fry for 2-3 minutes.

Mix remaining gravy and more water/ mix of tamarind and salt water and add to Kadai. Bring it to boil over low flame. Sauté carefully such that the gravy doesn’t come out of the brinjals. Switch off the flame when the gravy thickens and the brinjals appear cooked.

Serve Gutti Vankaya with either hot rice, biryanis, chapatis, phulkas, or akki rotti to make it a main course meal.

Think of donuts…consumers think of sweet donuts as warm sugary melt-in-your-mouth confectionery. Mad over Donuts and The Laughing Cow are absolutely delighted to unveil The Laughing Cow cheese savory donuts. Consumers love savory cheese and what better way to satiate consumers’ love for cheese than to have this unique donut range?

In the savory range, Mad over Donuts has introduced Mama Mia, Pizza Paradise, and Creamy Pesto. These delectable donuts are made with the delicious The Laughing Cow cheese. The Laughing Cow is the world’s leading cheese brand with a rich legacy of more than 100 years with iconic products that are loved by millions of consumers.

“The Laughing Cow Cheese is an iconic global brand from Bel. We are committed to providing accessible, delicious, and nutritious products in line with the philosophy of ‘for all for good. Our unique portfolio of products addresses the different needs of consumers. We have the vision to build and grow the nascent cheese category in India through breakthrough innovation. It is amazing to associate with Mad over Donuts, India’s leading donut player, to introduce one-of-a-kind cheese donuts for the first time in India.”, says Alamjit Singh Sekhon, Commercial Director of Bel, India.

“Indians are known for their spice tolerance as well as their love for desserts, across the world. By introducing savory donuts, we’re combining the two and offering an exclusive blend of flavors for the flavorful people of India. Besides, we’re thrilled to have joined hands with the delicious cheese brand, The Laughing Cow on this innovative launch. Furthermore, we can’t wait for our customers to give this a try and relish our appetizing snacks.”, says Mr. Tarak Bhattacharya, Executive Director – of Mad Over Donuts.

Get ready to bite into happiness and relish the savory flavors by Mad Over Donuts and The Laughing Cow, such as Mama Mia, Creamy Pesto & Pizza Paradise. This delectable range will be available across all Mad Over Donuts outlets in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, and Bengaluru priced at Rs. 125, and can easily be ordered online through various food delivery applications.

From Brands that have curated special delights this season that include – 

Mad over Donuts | Love and Cheesecake

Celebrate the season of Raksha Bandhan with offers and products from brands in the city that are sure to bring joy to siblings and add sparkle to the celebrations of the season.

Love and Cheesecake – Exclusive hampers are a toothsome delight for those who flash a cheeky smile when in need of a favour. To be relished and cherished, these limited-edition dainty desserts available in decadent flavours are an exquisite present that’s absolutely perfect and totally worth it. 

Love & Cheesecake’s exclusive Raksha Bandhan gift boxes are essentially designed to satiate your siblings with our scrumptious offerings.

What: Raksha Bandhan Special by Love & Cheesecake
When: Ongoing

Mad Over Donuts’s exclusive box of regular and signature bites. Curated to express your gratitude towards your protector, these boxes by India’s favourite donut brand are a metaphor to pay homage to your one-of-a-kind connection with your kinfolk. A delish mix of existing and span-new flavours, these bites are a delightful present for your siblings and cousins alike.

What: Raksha Bandhan Gifting Special| Regular and Signature Bites by Mad Over Donuts
When: On 11th August

Delicious food and a welcoming ambiance, Esora Wine & Bistro, the multi-cuisine restaurant is a home away from home. Bringing together flavors from different parts of the country, Esora presents Taste Tour, a one-of-its-kind brunch with a different new regional menu every week.

The Brunch which is served at the restaurant every Sunday from 12 to 4 pm, will safeguard each bite is totally worth it. The diverse menu that celebrates the rich culinary heritage and diversity of various regions in the country, is sure to bowl you over with its variety of dishes. Food lovers can tuck into indulgent offerings that will leave you nostalgic and ensure you are well fed.

So all set to celebrate diversity through food? Wait no longer, just gather your fam and head to Esora, Wine & Bistro, because no brunch can ever be as perfect as this. See you there!

WHAT: Taste Tours by Esora Wine & Bistro
WHERE: Esora Wine & Bistro
WHEN: Every Sunday from 12 to 4 pm

• Aamrish Puri Returns
• Hamari Mango Puri Karo

So, all mango lovers out there, it’s time to relish the  Aam with not so aam dishes

HUMARI MANGO PURI KARO

Aam Ras (kgs) 50gm
Aamrakhand Mousse 60gm
Alphonso Cheese Cake 95gm
Aam Papad 20gm
Mango Barfi 50gm
Ice Cream Mango Ltrs. 32gm
Amul Fresh Cream (ltr.) 20gm
Mango – Alphonso (kgs) 31gm
Mango Bite 4 No’s

ALPHONSO CHEESECAKE
INGREDIENTS:
Cream Cheese
Amul Fresh Cream
Icing Sugar
Vanilla Essence
Fresh Mango Chopped
Corn Flour

AAMRAKHAND MOUSSE
INGREDIENTS:
Whipping Cream
Aamrakhand

Method Alphonso Cheese Cake
1. Take Cream Cheese, add Icing Sugar Mix well
2. Add to the above Mixtures Vanilla Essences, Corn Flour & Amul fresh Cream Mix Well
3. Add fresh Alphonso Mango Small Cubes
4. Cut & Fold Method
5. Baked the Mix in Oven for 1hr-45 mins

Cheesecake Base
1. Crush the Biscuit Mixer.
2. Then add Butter Mix well
3. Put It in a Flat Tray
4. Bake it for 5 mins

Aaramkhand Mouse
1. Whipped Cream & Aaramkhand Proportion of 10/8 Mix well

Assemble -:
1. Place the Mango Cheesecake in the Centre.
2. Draw the circle with Aaramkhand Mango Mosses & put dots with help of Star Nozzles.
3. Place Mango Bite top of the circle, Mango Burfi Cut into Small Cubes & Place also on Top.
4. Blanched Pistachios & Fresh Mango cubes.
5. Garnish Mango Cheesecake with AamPapad Flat Slices & Silver Leaf.
6. Accompaniment with Mango Ice Cream.
7. Pour AamRas within the Mouse Circle.

AAMRISH PURI RETURNS

Aam Ras (Kgs) 200gms
Fried Puri 5 No’s
Papad Lijjat Medium, 20 gms
Ghee – Pure 10gms
Aam Papad 25gms
MDH Chilly Powder 1gm
MDH Chat Masala 2gm

Method for AamRas
1. Fresh Alphonso Mango Pulp Add little quantity of Milk & Sugar Mix well. Ratio 2:1:0.5

Method Puri
1. Make Whole wheat Atta Dough Add Cold Water, Little Semolina & Salt.
2. Make the Round Puri & Fry
3. Accompaniment with Roasted papad crushed with Aampapad& Seasoning.

Presentation.
Place the AamRas in Bowl & Serve with Puri
Garnish – Fresh Mango Cubes on the Top on AamRas

Gudi Padwa is upon us, here are a few festive dishes that will add the sparkle of festive. Recipes by Maharaj Bhawar Singh, Corporate Chef – Khandani Rajdhani

Mohanthal Ladoo

Ingredients:
1. 2 cups Besan Flour Karkara
2. 3 tbsp melted  Ghee
3. 6 tbsp milk
4. 1 cup melted  ghee 1
5. 1/4 cups sugar
6. 5 tsp milk
7. 1 tbsp rose water optional
8. 1/4 tsp Elaichi powder
9. 1/4 tsp Kesar (Saffron )
10. 1/2 tap ghee for greasing
11. 1 tbsp Pista chops for sprinkling
12. 1 tbsp Almond (Badam ) for sprinkling

Method:

1. The saffron and ½ tsp warm water in a bowl, mix well and keep aside,Combine the besan, 3 tbsp of melted ghee and 3 tbsp of milk in a deep bowl and mix well using your fingertips till no lumps remain, gently press it to even out the mixture. Cover with a lid and keep aside for 30 minutes. Break the lumps lightly with your fingertips and sieve it using a sieve with big holes. Keep aside.
2. Heat the ghee in a brass vessel on a high flame for 1 minute.
3. Add the sieved besan mixture, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 5 minutes, or till the mixture turns brown in colour, while stirring continuously.Remove from the flame and keep aside to cool for 15 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, combine the sugar and 1 cup of water in a deep non-stick pan, mix well and cook on a high flame for 2 minutes, while stirring continuously.
5. Lower the flame to slow, when it boils, add 2 tsp of milk, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 3 to 4 minutes, while stirring occasionally. Remove the dirt that floats on the sugar mixture and discard it.Lower the flame to slow and cook for 7 minutes, or till the syrup is of 1. 5 thread consistency, while stirring occasionally.
6. Add the rose water and mix well. Keep aside,
7. Add the cardamom powder, saffron-water mixture and sugar Syrup to the cooled besan mixture, mix well and stir for approx. 3 to 4 minutes, while stirring continuously or till the mixture cools.
8. Make round Ladoo.