Microwave Mango Ricotta Kalakand - Back to blogging

Seven months! That is how long I have stayed away from blogging. In retrospect I should have at least posted about the break, but really I did not intend to stay away for so long from what I love to do. Cook and blog.
Speaking of cooking, that has taken a backseat as well, for here comes my priority, all packed into one tiny bundle of joy... my baby girl who was born last year, just around the time I started the break. During this time, there are a few things I have learnt to appreciate much much more. One of them being the time I oh-so-easily spent cooking or baking at the kitchen perfecting every single dish. Now, things are not so elaborate. It almost seems like I would be a good host for semi-homemade cooking!
Well, that is not a bad thing right? Shortcuts. We all need them at some point or the other. And reserve from-the-scratch dishes for leisurely weekends and holidays.
I may not have time to post as frequently as I did before, but I am surely willing to try and keep some good recipes coming.

Kalakand, I have seriously no idea how it is made originally, but here is my take on a quick version of it. That lovely yellow color comes from adding mango pulp. Speaking of mango pulp, I used a canned product. But if you are lucky enough to get some juicy ripe mangoes and if you are able to make a pulp out of them... I SO ENVY YOU!

Before I start on the recipe, thanks thanks thanks to all those who missed me and sent me those lovely emails. It meant a lot to me! And yes, most of you guessed it right :) I have been spending a lot of time making baby food!



Microwave Mango Ricotta Kalakand

Ingredients:

Part skim ricotta cheese - 1 1/2 cup
Mango pulp - 2 cups
Butter - 1 tbsp
Fat free milk powder/Khova powder - 3 cups
Sugar - 2 tbsp (add more if needed, the mango pulp has plenty of sugar already)
Cardamom powder - 1/2 tsp
Saffron and Slivered almonds - To garnish
Yellow food color - If needed (for a brighter yellow color)

Method:

Very simple - Combine all the ingredients (except the garnish & food coloring) and microwave for 4-5minutes for about 6-8 times stirring in between. It might take longer.
Stop when the mixture has a thick curd-like texture and when you can form a small ball between your fingers.
Pour onto a greased plate, garnish, let it cool and then cut into desired shapes.

You could use a fun cookie cutter and cut out cute shapes for your little one or your neighbor's little one. Mom eats the scraps! End of story.