Gajar Ka Halwa Blondies

Diwali Desserts with a Twist: A Desi Bakes Book Review

Every year, Hetal Vasavada’s parents would pull her out of her New Jersey elementary school to visit friends and family living nearby, a tradition that marked the start of her love for Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights. The holiday is not only a time of celebration, but also a time to reflect on the past and seek a fresh start.

For Vasavada, Diwali is about starting the new year with something sweet, a sentiment echoed in the traditional Indian sweets she fondly remembers her family making during her childhood. Her new book, "Desi Bakes", is a collection of modern desserts inspired by those mithai, but with a twist.

"Desi Bakes" is not a catalog of traditional Indian sweets, but rather a meshing of familiar flavors with a Western twist. vasavada’s background as a member of the "huge generation of first-generation Indian-Americans" is reflected in her recipes, which blend the flavors she craves with those she grew up with.

Gajar Ka Halwa Blondies: A Modern Twist on a Classic

One of the many recipes in "Desi Bakes" is Gajar Ka Halwa Blondies, a modern twist on the traditional Indian dessert. This version combines shredded carrots, roasted cashews, and a cream cheese frosting, resulting in a sweet and savory treat.

Recipe: Gajar Ka Halwa Blondies

Ingredients:

For the Blondies:

• 11/2 sticks (170 g) unsalted butter
• 11/2 tablespoons whole milk powder
• 1 cup (213 g) packed light brown sugar
• 6 tablespoons (75 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
• 11/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground cardamom
• 1/3 cup (93 g) finely grated carrots
• 11/2 cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup (48 g) unsalted roasted cashews

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 7 tablespoons (99 g) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup (56 g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• Edible flower petals, for decorating

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 8-inch baking pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper.
2. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the butter and milk powder and melt the butter, stirring constantly until the milk solids turn brown and smell nutty. Let cool for 10 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, whisk the brown butter and both sugars until well combined. Mix in the eggs, vanilla, salt, cardamom, and carrots until well combined. Add the flour and cashews and mix until just combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread into an even layer.
5. Bake until the edges are golden brown, 25-30 minutes. Let cool completely in the pan.
6. For the frosting, stir together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and lemon juice until smooth. Spoon the frosting into a piping bag and cut off a 1/2-inch opening.
7. Remove the blondies from the pan and cut into 2-inch squares. Pipe a dollop of frosting onto the center of each square and use a spoon to smoosh and smear the frosting gently. Decorate with edible flower petals.

Conclusion
Vasavada’s "Desi Bakes" is a unique blend of traditional Indian flavors and modern Western twists, perfect for the modern Indian-American looking to spice up their dessert game. With its creative use of ingredients and innovative recipes, this book is sure to delight both seasoned bakers and newcomers to the world of Indian sweets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the inspiration behind "Desi Bakes"?
A: The inspiration behind "Desi Bakes" is to blend traditional Indian flavors with modern Western twists, creating unique and delicious desserts that are perfect for the modern Indian-American.

Q: What is the significance of Diwali in Indian culture?
A: Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, is a significant holiday in Indian culture, marking the start of the new year and a time of celebration, reflection, and new beginnings.

Q: What are some common ingredients used in Indian sweets?
A: Common ingredients used in Indian sweets include milk, sugar, ghee (clarified butter), nuts, and spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and rosewater.