Sandhya’s Recipes: Holi-Day Cheesecake

Tis the season to be jolly, oh Holi…oops Holly.

There will be a lot of parties, sharties this time and pot lucks. Now you of course cannot take halwa and gulab jamun to a house party. Too sticky. What is the quickest dessert you can whip up? It’s time to look in the bedside table—I mean the pantry—and bring out the whipped cream and cherry.

The easiest thing to do is make a NY style cheesecake the desi way.

Get a readymade pie shell from Shoprite or your local grocery store (but not the desi deli).

Whip up 4 x 8oz = 32 oz of low fat cream cheese and 2 cups of sugar. Girl’s got to watch her weight—even during Xmas, no? Add 2 eggs and continue whipping. Think like its someone you love—or hate (or both).

Add 2 teaspoons vanilla essence and continue whipping. I am liking this whipping bit. Add one cup of flour and continue whipping. Add a little ground cardamom if you want to give your cake a secret desi touch!

Once nicely whipped into shape, pour it into the readymade pie shell. Set it on a baking tray with lips (yummy). Put a small layer of water halfway up the side of the pie shell. Bake at 325F for 1 hour. Keep checking after 45 mins. The center should not jiggle. Didn’t I mention you need to watch you weight??

Take it out of the oven and let it cool. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (now you have time to do makeup shakeup). Take it out…take it to the party…serve with whipped cream and cherry (fresh, not from the bedside. You’ll be the envy of all the party aunties!

Happy Holidays!