Quick Mocha Cake

I love baking. I love all its finicky measuring and obsessive temperature control. But there are some days when I still want my cake fix, but minus the long drawn complicated process. Enter the Quick Mocha Cake. Not only is this a one bowl wonder, but it also cooks in double quick time. Really win win in my opinion. Now, the purists can scoff all they want, but the proof is definitely in the eating. And this one is addictively delicious!

Ingredients:
Whole Wheat Flour         1 and 1/2 cups
Cocoa Powder                  1/2 cup
Baking Powder                 1 teaspoon
Baking Soda                     1/2 teaspoon
Milk                                  1 cup
Vinegar                             1 tablespoon
Kahlua essence                 a few drops
Sugar                                 1 cup
Butter                                3/4 cup

Method:
Mix the vinegar and milk. Keep aside for 10 minutes. Sift all the dry ingredients together. Grease a 7 inch square baking dish. Finally, mix all the ingredients well. Pour into the prepared dish. Level it out. Microwave on full power for 7 minutes. Let it rest for a few minutes more. The Quick Mocha Cake is ready.
Slather it with ganache. Or serve up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Munch it with some coffee. Or jus eat it as is!

Note: The Kahlua essence can be substituted with a mix of 3 heaped teaspoon instant coffee powder and 1 teaspoon hot water.

Chocolate Doughnuts

The first shower of the season had me splashing away like a kid. After months of heat and humidity, the cool water refreshed everything around. Of course, all that rain dance had me craving for some strong coffee and hot chocolate doughnuts. This recipe belongs to my dear friend Sonal, and every bite reminds me of the icy Himalayan rains, made warmer by her love <3

So while i demolish yet another batch, you can roll out your own deep fried indulgence :-)

Ingredients for CHOCOLATE DOUGHNUTS:

Eggs - 2

Caster Sugar - 1/2 cup

Butter / Oil - 4 tbsp

Refined Flour - 2 1/4  cups

Cocoa powder - 1/4 cup

Baking powder - 2 tsp

salt - a pinch

Milk - as required

Icing Sugar - as required.

Method: Mix all the dry ingredients together, and slowly add the eggs and oil to form a soft dough. If the dough feels a little tight, incorporate a little milk. Do not knead the dough. Keep aside for for 45 minutes. Now place the rested dough between two layers of cling film and roll out with the help of a rolling pin. Do not roll too thin or thick. With the help of a biscuit cutter or a sturdy cap, cut out rounds and poke a hole in the middle with your finger. Deep fry in hot oil till puffed, golden and crisp. Generously dust with icing sugar and serve up with some hot coffee!

Sheesha, Schezwan and Chai!

When you see MASH from outside, it looks like an old forgotten 'garden restaurant'. Indeed when you enter, the decor bears testimony. But look beyond the faded rugs and scarred tables, and you see a place thrumming with the vibrance of youth.

This outdoor cafe is one of the most popular student hangouts. Seated at either the Arabesque diwans or the cafeteria like benches, you can have your fill of some of the yummiest food at really affordable prices.

The diverse menu has on offer Iranian, Chinese and Indian. But what really makes this joint a hot favourite, is their wide array of sheeshas! (Sheesha, you ask? Its another name for the hookah, the hubble bubble, the smoke water pipe...get my drift?!) For just rs. 120, you can choose any flavour and sit for an unlimited number of coal changes! Got a better deal? My pick of flavours are the cigar-pan rasna combo and the kacchi kairi-mint. Of course, you could customize your own :)

Coming back to the food, you could choose from the massive helpings of beef curry-rice, the schezwan noodles or the many fresh fruit juices. My top picks are the jujeh kebab (succulent, mildly flavoured chunks of grilled chicken), the chicken lollipop (crispy coated drumsticks), chilly paneer (spicy Chinese style cottage cheese) and the home-style french fries. And you could top it all with some sinful Chocolate Mousse (only Rs. 40!!!!) and the refreshing Iranian chai!

With jus a couple of hundred in your pocket, stop by anytime and kick your shoes off at Mash!

Location: opp Palace Orchard,

NIBM Annexe,

Pune, India.

Timings: 11 am - midnight!