This one goes out to a dear friend. The same friend, for whom exactly 12 years ago this day, i attempted to bake my very first cheesecake … the memory is still so clear in my head … i was in my sweet sixteen yrs, didn’t even know how to crack an egg well and I’d set of to accomplish a cheesecake … got together with a couple of girlfriends, one looked up a recipe, another lent me her kitchen, we got all the ingredients, made a mess of the place, chucked things at each other, got yelled at by her mom, almost burnt the cheesecake n almost dropped it on the floor while trying to get it out – n oh by the way i used square pasta dish for it! lol and what a disaster the cake was, i was so embarrassed to bring it out n serve it, my friends elder sister was so kicked by the fact that i baked, that inspite of me begging and pleading her not to, she took the warm cake and served it to all the guests in the house right away. At that point i was hoping the earth would split open n eat me up … Hahaha, it was more like a pudding rather than a cake ! But i think everyone just appreciated the effort more than the cake or whatever it was. Ah well, that was then … over the years we went different ways, … education, relationships, work, marriage, … lost touch, got involved in our own worlds. I thought I’d lost a good friend, but somehow through some force of nature we’re back in touch. And at this point nothing makes me happier. And so I’m making a special cake to celebrate both, our friendship and a Birthday! On asking what is your most favourite sweet, i was told ” Kaju Kati ” n “Cadbury’s Milk Chocolate”. Kaju Katli, is a Indian sweet made from ground Cashews and sugar syrup. Since I’d never attempted to make these before, i jumped at the opportunity to make these, realizing that this was my chance to redeem myself after the cheesecake disaster. My neighbour back in Bombay, whose house i was practically bought up in makes the best Kaju Katli’s in the world. And she was kind enough to mail me her trademark recipe. I’m telling you, after eating these , its a shame if you ever think of buying some from the store again. They turned out so good, i couldn’t believe i made them for the first time. And then to turn the traditional sweet into something more appropriate for a (mini)birthday cake, i made Cadbury Chocolate Mousse and sandwiched between two layers of Kaju Katli. So there you go, both your favourite flavours in one cake. And i promise you this, you must’ve never had a cake like this before. Happy Birthday !!!
And beginning Monday, its Ramadan, and i would like to wish all my readers Ramadan Mubarakh, may you have a beautiful month of fasting and may Allah answer all you prayers.
these look so nice and ideal as a gift.Can I have the recipe please !
Ramadan Mubarak, Kate! these pics look lovely
hey kate! thanks for dropping by…this looks really lovely your friend must be so grateful! i see you’re not putting up the header:) any probs? personally though i feel it’s too artsy for your clean page:) so it’s perfectly fine this way:) have a great week ahead kate!
Snooky doodle, thnx, i’ll try n get it ASAP
Zita, wish you the same dear. Thanks
ces … i think my friend is grateful:P …abt the header i’ll mail you.
The pic with the sparkler just makes me feel happy inside!
I enjoyed this blog very much
Ramadhan Mubarak to you too, Kate. The kaju mathli looks so lovely and it is one of my favourite sweet meat. When I go to India, i’ll always buy boxes of sweet meat to take back home. I hope u’ll give us the recipe.
Hmm…you even have the silver ‘warq’. Mostly never see them on home-made sweets.
Susan
Maven, thank you
SweetBites, wish you the same
i adore this mithai too.
Shantanu, i cant remember a time when my mum would make sweets at home and not put varakh on them. I get this from here. She would never serve a plate of food that is not well garnished. She says you eat with your eyes first then with you mouth
This is something that I’ve never heard of, but it does sound delicious and look so elegant! Happy birthday to your friend!
and what an unique and meaningful cake!!! I love the added touch of a sparkle!
Yes, please Auntie! Give the recipe! haha
Peace to you dear Kate xox
This is so cute.
I always seem to get here so late. Everyone has likely said what I think. Kaju Katli makes me think of being a little child. I never ate many sweets and it would just sadden my grandmother and aunties–after all how would they fatten me up.
Deborah, thanks, i hope someday you get to try it.
Daphne, thanks:)
Maryann ..haha …thnx, and u too
Helene ,:D
maybelles mom .. last but still very important n dear to me:)..aww how sad … i’m sure you can now atleast have your sweets without feeling too guilty.
my fav indian sweet. vegan to boot!!!
My Aunt who lived in India for a while made this for us. It is divine and yours is too!!!! Thank you for that beautiful message about Ramadaan. I am really feeling the hunger pains right now but after I read your blessing from our Creator, I suddenly feel sustained! I just discovered your blog earlier!
HI KAJU,THIS PARTICULAR RECIPE IS AS SWEET AS YR NAME DEPICTS.IT IS SIMPLY YUM.
Ohh I ate them once when I went to india couple of years back … God they are so so yummy .. my fave kind of barfi ever since ::))
Yours look superb too!