Kalakand (Indian Milk Cake)- From the festivities to the potluck’s dessert menu

A Happy Ganesh Chaturthi to all the readers.

India is the land of festivals and Ganesha Chaturthi being one of the major ones.Ganesha Chaturthi is the Hindu festival celebrated in honour of The Lord Ganesha.

As the god of beginnings, Lord Ganesha is honoured at the start of rituals or any new ventures.There couldn’t be a better day than Ganesh Chaturthi to begin and introduce my food blog to all of you.

The deity is often shown carrying a bowl of sweets, called amodakapātra. Ganapathi is a lover of sweet food. He likes mostly sweet food, fruits and coconuts. Modaks and ladoos are his favorite amongst all and often served as naivedhyam or bhog to Lord Ganesha.

So, the first recipe for my blog could be none other than a sweet dish decked-up with the most beautiful fruit to please the deity. Kalakand ( Milk cake) is made in India during different festivals and celebrations. A huge pan is kept on a flame and large amount of milk is boiled stirring it continuously till it is thickened with sugar and dry fruits. I made this kalakand using a quick way.

Here’s the recipe:

Cooking Time: 20-25 mins

Prep Time: 5 min

Setting Time: 1 hr

Makes: 12 pcs (approx)

Ingredients: Ricotta Cheese – 15 oz (or home made cottage cheese)

Sweetened Condensed Milk – 14 oz ( my favorite brand is Nestle)

Vanilla Essence – 1/2 tsp (optional)

Cardamom Powder – 1/4 tsp

Sliced Pistachios – 1/2 tbsp

Sliced almonds – 1/2 tbsp

Method:

1. In a microwave safe dish, mix the Ricotta Cheese and the Condensed Milk well.
2. Mash down all the lumps with a help of a whisk.
3. Cook in the microwave for 5 minutes uncovered.
4. Take out and mix well. Be sure to loosen the edges.
5. Put it back in the microwaved for 3 more minutes, uncovered.
6. Take out and mix.
7. Again Microwave for 2 minutes, covered. Take out and mix.
8. Microwave further for 2 minutes,partly covered, take out and mix.
9. Microwave for another 6 minutes, uncovered taking out and stirring every 2 minutes.
10. Once done, mix well.
11. Add in the Powdered Cardamom and Vanilla Essence and mix well again.
12. Transfer it onto your favorite serving dish preferably flat (slightly greased).
13. Press down and flatten the mixture.Make a heart using the strawberries in the center of the square.
14. Sprinkle sliced Pistachios and Almonds on top.
15. Cover and allow to set either in the refrigerator for an hour or on the counter-top for a few hours.
16. Cut into desired shape and serve.

Alternate way:

1. Take condensed milk, ricotta cheese(or crumbled cottage cheese) in a heavy bottomed non- stick pan and mix well.
2. Heat the pan in low flame a and start stirring.
3. Stir till the mixture starts to thicken. Add in the Powdered Cardamom and Vanilla Essence and mix well again.Stir till the mixture leaves the wall of the kadai .
4. Transfer it onto your favorite serving dish preferably flat(slightly greased).
5. Press down and flatten the mixture to give a square shape.
6. Make a heart with strawberries in the center of the square.
7. Sprinkle sliced Pistachios and Almonds on the edges.
8. Cover and allow to set either in the refrigerator for an hour or on the counter-top for a few hours.
9. Cut into desired shape and serve.

Prepare this quick kalakand for any occasion. This delicious and a beautiful looking dessert is a perfect fit” from the festivities to your potluck sweet dish ” menu. If you liked reading this page, please share it with your friends and help me reach the mass. See you soon with more recipes. Till then, stay tuned and eat healthy!!!