Slurp!!!
A tried body and a groggy mind are deadly recipes for an efficient start to a day. With work spilling over into housework, with that in turn spilling over into laziness, with that taking a toll on mental faculties, I had a perfect brew for a not-so- cheerful start to a weekend. But then there were my turkey babies and my munchkins who are the ideal mood lifters.
Leaving aside the mundane chores, I literally dropped everything symbolically and walked out to the cheery sight of blue cages and my munchkins grooming themsleves after a restful night. Chewing on her thoughts, I spied my California from the top of the garden stairs. They know I keep freshly cut fruits for my baby turkeys in a particular bowl which is covered with foil. The very rustle of the foil has them stand up in attention and each wants a helping of the fruits, their favourite. With rationed bites to each, I await my scampering baby turkeys as they come running out into the lawn from behind knowing well that their treat is ready.
Recipe: Fruit Salad
Ingredients: All kinds of fruits – Apples, Pear, Grapes, Bananas, Kiwi, Raspberries, Strawberries, Blueberries, Oranges – And/or
Quantity: As per the number of people; Ideally 1 piece of each fruit and I cup of those which need cup measurements will help serve six people
Method: Wash and cut fruit into bite size pieces. Sprinkle with juice of half a lemon (to prevent oxidation and blackening of fruit). Mix and toss together for a simple Fruit Salad. Add some mint – freshly chopped for a tang along with chaat masala, black pepper and black rock salt.
The Twist in the recipe: Toss the cut fruit together. Keep aside. take gelatine sheets or gelatine crystals. Soak in water if former as per instructions on packet or warm half a cup of water and soak 2 teaspoons of gelatine crystals in the water. Let it sit for a while. Meanwhile take 2 cups of milk, boil and as it comes to a boil add 3 teaspoons of cornflour. Mix slowly and heat till thickened. Add 4 tablespoons of sugar plus the gelatine liquid and mix well. Add 2 teaspoons of unsalted butter. Mix again and ensure the milk sauce is smooth. (In case of lumps, whip it up in the grinder). Rinse a glass dish with water and pour the milk sauce – Blancmange into it. Smooth out the surface and put in refrigerator to set and chill. While it sets, make your packet of strawberry or lemon jelly. Let the liquid cool. Take out the dish with the set milk sauce – Blancmange and add the fruit a a layer over it. Set it in the freezer for 5 mins. Take out and pour slowly over the fruit the jelly liquid. Set it back into the refrigerator to set. May take 5/6 hours to be fully set. You can make this dessert a day in advance and leave it in the refrigerator covered with foil. Decorate with whipped cream – if enterprising and feel like it!
P.S. My munchkins and Turkeys like their fruit raw in its original form.
Wickedlyours 