Do you ever have one one those days, when you’re feeling a bit low, and you start asking yourself questions .. why ? Well last weekend i was feeling exceptionally low, and started asking myself, ” What is happiness ?” – ” How do you define Happiness ?” … n then i went on n asked everyone i met for the rest of the week … here are a few replies i got …
- Happiness is exploring new places, tasting new things
- Happiness … depends, right now drinking tea and enjoying the cool weather is happiness. I wouldn’t change for anything.
- Happiness is…(profound) knowing that sadness exists …(practical) Sharing a great meal w/love
- Happiness is with Friends and Family
- I define happiness as … sitting quietly on my front porch, watching a rainstorm dance by, observing all of nature joyously celebrating it’s abundance
- I define happiness as … walking through the dewy summer grass barefoot, the smile on a person’s face upon seeing you, the warm sun shining on your face, the feeling of being completely loved faults and all
- Happiness is … having the freedom, health and opportunity to do great things for myself and others.
- Happiness is being at peace with myself and those around me and being able to give
- I define happiness as … standing in the rain and really feeling every single rain drop that touches you, and knowing that each drop is a not a tear from God above but a drop of his everlasting love falling sown on us.
- Happiness is … comfortable shoes …
- Happiness – Simple stuff: a child laughing, sun shining, flowers blooming, art, feeding people, helping others in need … all make me happy!
According to me there is no perfect definition for happiness. Everyone has their own meaning to it. For some its a long time achievement for some its momentary happiness. I believe happiness is based on happenings, its a fleeting emotion that comes and goes. Takes you up high and at times, low below. Happiness to me comes from little things, from simple joys of day to day life. To me its not a goal … but a feeling of Joy. Joy comes with happiness, you can’t have joy and at the same time you’re unhappy … How do you define happiness … What makes you happy ??
Its always a good thing to have some layers of cake in the freezer. Always comes in handy for these kinda days, when you’re really not upto baking, yet desire something sweet. I always have a layer of genoise n chocolate cake for emergencies … sometimes i get irresistible pangs of sweet cravings, and so i have to be prepared 
So with the cake at hand, making this dessert cake becomes extremely easy.
1 + 1/2 tsp Matcha green tea powder
1-2 tbsps hot milk
4 tbsps mascarpone
4 tbsp cream
2 tbsp caster sugar
1 + 1/2 tsp gelatin powder dissolved in 3 tbsp water
1 layer of chocolate cake
If you want to make them in individual molds, start with cutting the shapes out in the chocolate cake, 3 layers for each mold. If using one loose bottom round tin, then double the quantity of the ingredients, and take 3 layers of cake. Dissolve the Matcha with the hot milk. Let it cool. Loosen the mascarpone with the cream and beat it up together. Add the sugar, matcha and the gelatin mixture and mix well. Place the bottom layer of the cake in the tin, and pour some of this mixture on the top. If you find it too thick then add some more cream before you pour it on top. Put this in the freezer and let it set. The gelatin will make it set quickly. Once you think its firm enough, repeat this step with the second layer, and then the third. Finally let it set overnight. When you’re ready to serve, loosen the cake and remove from tin. Sprinkle with grated chocolate. Alterately you could just make it in a glass. I cut the broken corners of the chocolate cake and set this dessert in a glass. And the glass version does not need gelatin. Just keep the mascarpone mixture thick, and pour it over the top. This would make for more of a Matcha n Dark Chocolate dessert smoothie Enjoy !
September 19th, 2008 at 3:56 am
Magnificent! Your cake looks fabulous! I love that flavor combination! Interesting… What beautiful pictures too!
Cheers,
Rosa
September 19th, 2008 at 6:15 am
Awesome, Superb! click of pics. Dynamite combo. Must try for me. Nice quotes on Happiness.
September 19th, 2008 at 6:21 am
Rosa, thanks ..
Kitchen .. those are real statements passed by friends n family members
September 19th, 2008 at 6:43 am
happiness is coming here and drooling over this dessert!lovely!
September 19th, 2008 at 6:49 am
aww Meeta that is so sweet
.. right now happiness is reading that this dessert makes you happy !! haha too much of happiness going around 
September 19th, 2008 at 7:30 am
Wow!! the pics are just gorgeous…a visual treat..
September 19th, 2008 at 7:44 am
Ah happiness! Happiness is Friday after a very long week! Your pictures made it even better. YUM!
September 19th, 2008 at 7:57 am
I feel happy looking at your fabulous dessert, and would be on cloud 9 if I were spooning this into my mouth!
September 19th, 2008 at 8:03 am
Rachel, thnx
Candy .. oh yeah fridays are gr8 !
nicisme, … haha i wish i could help you with that
September 19th, 2008 at 8:30 am
Great exploration of the whole happiness thing Kate…nicely said! And that cake looks scrumptious…geez! you’re prepared with all those layers in the freezer…talk about ready to go!
September 19th, 2008 at 9:23 am
Just looking at it makes me happy
It is absolutely beautiful and the flowers, too! It seems like you are doing a lotta deep thinking this month & it's great! Thanks for putting in there my definition of happiness, too!
September 19th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Beautil and delicious and creamy.
You may serve this to me any time, i will be more than HAPPY
September 19th, 2008 at 9:55 am
peter … when i’m baking cakes to use as bases or layers, i always bake an extra one … u know while i’m at it. always comes in handy.
Mohini…
This month has been good for me. I think keeping your stomach empty is good for your mind 
.. n u r most welcome … thx for sharing that with me 
September 19th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Mmm, this cake would make me happy! Beautiful!!
Sometimes I ask myself the same question as well. I think it’s a good thing to ponder once in a while. I usually find that being aware of the simple things and how lucky I am to have family, friends, love definitely brings my spirits up. Baking makes me happy too!
September 19th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Your pictures are so beautiful. Could you please tell me what camera you have used to take this pictures. I am looking to buy a dslr camera.
September 19th, 2008 at 11:12 am
Happiness is one of your photos! (silly girl!)
September 19th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Anita ..
Baking makes me happy too. And its always wonderful to enjoy and appreciate the simple joys of life. It brings me so much happiness i cannot tell you. Like right now there is a gentle drizzle outside, n get stepping out getting a few of those drops all over my body and stepping back in has made me so happy !
Tesawe .. thnks, i’ll reply to you mail soon.
Maryann
thank you :p hehe
September 19th, 2008 at 11:53 am
Goodness me, what alovely combination. Mancha and dark chocolate? Divine!
Beautiful photos Kate!
September 19th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Anky,
What a treat for the eyes this is
Happiness on a Friday afternoon right there!
I think making beautiful things = happy too! and you are doing just that!!
Wonderful, beautiful…very proud of your thoughts and quests for deeper meaning and your beautiful things to eat!
Cheers and Hugs,
Kanan.
P.S. Your pic of dad, sis, you and arpi is my desktop background — so you are very close to me in more ways than one!
Thanks for sharing that picture of dad.
K.
September 19th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Well I’m easily happy. I’m happy when I see such simple and beautiful things like your cake. Hapiness is really about small things.
September 19th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Elra .. thanks so much !
Kanan .. i know making beautiful things brings so much happiness and inner satisfaction. And can u believe it, in all the years i’ve known uncle that was the only picture i have with him ! Hope you’re doin well girl
Clumbsy Cookie … yup happiness is all about small things
September 19th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Looking at your beautiful pictures and trying to replicate them on my own is what makes me happy. It’s all about the journey
September 19th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Very nice and looks yummy! I especially like the one in the glass!
September 19th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
That dessert is SO good..it shouldn’t be allowed. Gorgeous pics! Drool drool drool.
Happiness is…meeting a fellow Sindhi (well honorary anyways, since u married one).
I laughed when I read ur comment! I’m so happy u know what Nido gulab jammus taste like!
And is that the reason for 2 names? Kate before the wedding and Kajal after?
September 19th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Amanda, oh yes the journey !!
mycookinghut … thanks
Bharti .. hehe … man i freaked out when i learnt you’re sindhi. I speak sindhi like my mother tongue now. I’ll make it simple for you … i’m gujarati – Ankita, married a sindhi- name changed to Kajal. But we’re Hong Kong sindhi, so we get to keep a English name as well, cuz the local Chinese cannot say our names without screwing them up. So year my name/business cards say Kate Tejsinghani
sindhi enough ??
September 19th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
lol..now I get it..
And man, u ARE the real deal.
Sindhis in ‘Haangkaang’, Manila and Jakarta always need an “English” name! Daado cool sai
September 19th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Right now your cake is making me happy, it’s gorgeous!
September 19th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Bharti .. haha yup i am :p
September 19th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
For me happiness is feeling loved and enjoying life s small things. This dessert looks so nice. I don t find green tea powder here can I use green tea powder
September 19th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
That is a beautiful, delicate looking cake. Fantastic work!
September 19th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
love the color, love the flavor combo, love everything! happiness is tasting this dessert
September 19th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
I hope you’re feeling better, Kate
The hexagonal cake with the chocolate leaves is tres elegante! I love that you have *emergency* genoise, hahaha! 
September 20th, 2008 at 6:08 am
Awesome cake Kate … Mindblowing as always!!
September 20th, 2008 at 9:24 am
snooky doodle, u can order it online. Buy the Matcha green tea powder.
Mike, thanks
eliza…
and i did 
Swati … haha thanks !!
September 20th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Hey there Kate…thanks for a brilliant dose of hapiness! Was questioning life over the last few days & the low feeling was setting in. Lot better now, but nothing that yummy matcha can't fix! Adopt me…I promise I won't grouch & will even do the dishes!! YUM!!
September 20th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Absolutely gorgeous cakes, and those flavors sound just perfect! I’ve never frosted anything that’s such a challenging shape like that- awesome work.
September 20th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
I giggled at “happiness is comfortable shoes.”
September 20th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
For me,in addition to your list, happiness is reading about all your beautiful creations and looking at your photos!
-Reading about all the other wonderful creations by other foodies
-Playing around in the kitchen and creating tasty treats
-Dining at a restaurant with all the right elements (good atmosphere, service and food)
-Getting mesmerized by a good read or movie
Hee hee sorry for rambling on but don’t feel down
because happiness is all around even at the darkest times! 
Hope you are all better especially with such a comforting cake mmmmm ^^!
September 20th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
I love matcha, I love chocolate cake and I love mascarpone! This combination so works for me! What pretty pics!
September 20th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Dear Kate
Your pictures are fabulous and I am now intent on reproducing your cake!
Question: how large a cake layer does your matcha/mascarpone porportions serve?
Thank you!
September 21st, 2008 at 5:19 am
As I get older, happiness for me is much more about having the people around me that I love and spending time with them. Appreciating what I have and not wanting things all the time.
September 21st, 2008 at 11:05 am
simply……..delicious!
good job..
September 21st, 2008 at 11:47 am
u knw what kate, happiness is giving me a slice of that yummy cake.
September 21st, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Anything with chocolate in it is enough to make me a happy panda. Beautiful!
September 21st, 2008 at 12:25 pm
lovely mouth watering cake…n lovely lines on happiness…its just too beautiful
September 21st, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Manggy .. oh yes its an utmost necessity – the genoise
Deeba … haha you’re adopted :p
Hannah, its easier than u think
Susan … hehe but its true … just think about it !
Fichiban … oh i love getting mesmerized by a good movie … it can totally make or spoil my mood !
I’m going just fine, all these loving comments , hot can i not be happy !!
n u’re not rambling, i love it when people share
Cakebrain … thanks
Evelyn, this recipe is good to serve 2, double the recipe for more.
This hexagonal shape serves one person, and the equivalent of that is in the glass. So this recipe works for 2 good portions.
Helen, happiness changes right , from age, to situations, to circumstances … happiness is so flexible !And yeah aging does sober down things … i know exactly what u mean !
Latifa , thank u !
Sweetbites, haha sure , if it makes u happy !
Chubby Panda, …me too :p
Anjum … thank you !
September 21st, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Your cake and pictures are beautiful! I’ve never had a matcha dessert before.
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:39 am
Not sure if you have already read Daniel Gilbert’s best-seller, Stumbling upon Happiness. Among other things, the book goes on to say that most people don’t know what exactly will make them happy.
September 22nd, 2008 at 2:47 am
beautiful dessert as usual, katey!
as for
“- Happiness is … comfortable shoes …”
OHMYGOD! I CUDN’T AGREE MORE!
September 22nd, 2008 at 4:14 am
Why didn’t you ask me about my view of happiness?
Happiness is… whenever I drop by your blog! =D
Hey, me not good at buttering up, but happiness lies in so many, don’t you agree? =)
I’m trying VERY hard to digest this recipe cos I’m totally swept off by the idea of having a portion set in a cup. Totally dainty! Sadly, I’m a hopeless novice baker, and I really wonder when will I get to make something like that… =(
Happiness is once I’ve conquered it then!!
September 22nd, 2008 at 6:39 am
Hee hee^^! Btw I just saw Wall-E and it has become one of my favourites!!! Sooo CUTEE and AWESOMMEE! Good story/underlying theme about saving the planet and obesity and smooth graphics. I love Pixar haha.
September 22nd, 2008 at 9:43 am
Happiness is when you see another blogger loving green tea and dark choc too! I love your photos-they have a “sunshiny” feel to it!
September 22nd, 2008 at 9:05 pm
I’m happy right now just looking at your art Kate!
September 22nd, 2008 at 9:19 pm
I love the shot of the inside of the cake…simply gorgeous layers!
September 22nd, 2008 at 9:25 pm
i imagine this cake in my mouth now,no doubt it gonna makes me happy..
nyummmmmmmmmmm
September 22nd, 2008 at 10:10 pm
I love your notion that happiness is unique to the individual and fleeting at the same time. My son the other day says outloud, mid-homework: I am at peace right now, I feel so happy just doing homework and I don’t even know why. Those moments are beautiful.
September 23rd, 2008 at 1:51 am
my goodness!! your matcha cake really look stunning.I always …oooohhh…..aahhhh when I see your beautiful photo!.I don’t think I gave the skill to make this delicious cake
September 23rd, 2008 at 7:39 am
Sara, you must try it sometime. Its lovely.
Shantanu … nope not read it , but i'm pretty sure everyone knows what makes them happy
Rita ..haha thnx babe ! i agree too !!
Julia … well i did now did'nt i ?? hehe … n yup happiness is there everywhere … just have to see it
And i'm pretty sure you can make this … its so simple !
Fichiban … i think you left this at the wrong place
daphne …
thanks 
PIC .. thank you !
My S&A Saucy … thnx !
Foni … hehe i'm sure
Janelle, awe that is so sweet. Thanks for sharing.
Beachlover … oh c'om … its not that difficult …look at the wonderful stuff u make … u can easily make this
September 23rd, 2008 at 1:00 pm
happiness, dear kate, is seeing your gorgeous creations.
September 24th, 2008 at 10:19 am
i love the cross section photo! wonderful looking cake
September 24th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
What a darling little cake. Always feeling inspired is what makes happy.
Thanks for the inspiration and sharing your gorgeous photos and words! Beautiful!!
September 25th, 2008 at 6:24 am
today I am happy because I come to your blog
, see this divine and creative cake! All photos are superb, the last one is my most favorite!
September 25th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Awesome and fantastic!,U have done it like a pro and the pic of the flowers are really stunning.
September 26th, 2008 at 5:00 am
happiness is also seeing these gorgeous creations
September 26th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Well, I’d pretty happy if I had a craving and there was some cake just waiting for me in the freezer.
Foodwise, what makes me happy is having a nice pile of ingredients to chop for something tasty, time to do it, and two little boys happily keeping themselves busy in the living room.
Not too much to ask, right?
September 26th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
bee, thanks so much
kim … thanks !
dandysugar … i know .. !
Gattina, thanks.. glad i could make u happy !
Pearlofeast .. thank u
Sia
thank you 
Brenda … hehe sure
oh yes a well stocked pantry n fridge always makes me happy too !
And nope its not too much … its the least you can ask
September 26th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Yes, happiness is 4 tbsps of mascarpone. No, better make that 5.
September 27th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Hi Kate,
Great “research” you did there with happiness.
And this just look so stunning. Makes me happy looking at it.
x Nora
September 28th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
goodness Kate, it feels so good to be back and see all the delicious and beautiful things you’ve created!
I just love matcha and you’ve totally convinced me to try it with chocolate!
September 28th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Aha… happiness project
Happiness right now would be to have a piece of that cake…oh and comfortable but good looking shoes too… 
September 29th, 2008 at 4:50 am
Fabulous. Not only the cake, but also the photos are very well taken. they are precious. THanks for sharing your recipe, and HAPPINESS.
There is an on-line Best Homemade Food contest, and was wondering if you would be interested.
Click here and take a look.
Thanks!!!
September 29th, 2008 at 7:46 am
Happiness is appreciating the moment no matter what it is without a care about the past or the future! Always trying to get the art of it down
Again great photos and fantastic combo
September 29th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Happiness is returning back to Aaplemint when I have been a blog reader slacker! This is a beautiful dessert….one I would welcome to my table any time!
September 29th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
sig .. hmmm i could’nt agree more !
dongyeon , thanks,
i’ll chk it out.
dirtykitchensecrets , you’re absolutely right !!
Chris, yeah welcome back ! havent seen you for long
October 2nd, 2008 at 9:32 pm
This just sounds incredible. I love green tea and I’m just impressed that you happen to keep cake in your freezer, just in case. I’m definitely going to start doing that
October 3rd, 2008 at 10:41 am
Hi this is my first time here and i am just overwhelmed by the delicasies u have here. This is just sooo awesome.
I have to be visiting very frequently here, just feasting my eyes even if I cannot cook all of them.
October 3rd, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Feasting my eyes on these beautiful pictures of magnificent desserts makes me happy. Wow, I’ve visited your site a few times before and every time I’m always impressed. I’m putting a link to your site on my very modest blog so I can visit yours more often and get inspired.
October 4th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Superb pictures. To answer your question, yes I do feel down sometimes too. I guess that’s life.
October 8th, 2008 at 2:43 am
awww. what beautiful responses you got! happiness is for a me – a quiet or larry, depending on the occasion, sitdown with friends and family for a homecooked meal. and if this sexy pudding was served up, my happiness will skyrocket through the roof! i heart matcha. xxx
October 11th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
I love the presentation: the little choc leaves, the hexagonal design. Really nice.
October 26th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Wheeee!!! your new home is so beautiful Kate!!! Congrats on such an amazing blog !
You are such a talent. Can we celebrate by having you send of some of this beautiful dessert?!!!
January 19th, 2009 at 4:26 am
All I can say WOW and WOW. Three different components that I love so much.
November 17th, 2009 at 2:30 am
the cake looks amazing – as well as your photography!
& i totally agree with this one : Happiness is … having the freedom, health and opportunity to do great things for myself and others.