Category: Dessert (Page 2 of 2)

Green Mango Posset

March 16, 2016 / Kaluhi / 14 Comments

If you follow me on Instagram, you might remember that I told you I used to enjoy walking home as opposed to taking the bus when I was in primary school. One popular shortcut was called “Wall”, which was basically a section of a wall around Ngei I estate that had collapsed and allowed passer by’s to cut through the estate enroute to other parts. Besides wall being a shorter route, we liked it because of the mango trees that grew close to the wall. We definitely helped ourselves to their sweet green mangoes before proceeding with our walk home. One evening, dogs from a nearby home escaped and came furiously at us while we were lazily chowing down mangoes we weren’t meant to be eating. Was it a sign form God? Maybe. The boys immediately took to their heels and left us *rolls eyes*. It was too late to start running too so we started climbing the tree (of course we never reached high enough), screaming, with tears streaming down our faces. A watch man heard us, came and chased the dogs away. We descended and went home so fast without turning back! The collapsed wall was eventually repaired and our favorite shortcut was no more. We resorted to using the long route there henceforth.

This is the memory I always have when I see green mangoes. Green mangoes are common through out East Africa. I like them so much because they have a distinct sweet taste unique to just them. I used one of my favorite mango varieties to make what is now my FAVORITE dessert yet. Just three ingredients! Trust me, you can make this green mango posset too :))

Mango and Dark Chocolate Parfait

March 4, 2016 / Kaluhi / 6 Comments

If you have been following me for quite sometime now on Instagram, You know how much I love mangoes. This love dates back to my primary school days. As we go through the final weeks of mango season, I am taking full advantage of this and eating as many of my favorite fruit as I can and incorporating them in my food and snacks too.

I love parfaits because they are the easiest things on earth to make. They make the perfect post-meal indulgence and can also make the perfect snack. There are infinite variations to a parfait but here is mine. It is sweet, fulfilling and pretty healthy too :)) This mango and dark chocolate parfait just shows you you can make the perfect snack or dessert without spending too much and with ingredients you can easily obtain.

Nutty Cardamom and Coconut Froyo cups

February 23, 2016 / Kaluhi / 6 Comments

It has been ridiculously hot in Nairobi lately, as is every other February. After one spends just a few minutes in the sun, you literally feel like your skin is peeling off. Heck, even looking out the window can send your armpits into overdrive :D. Such that sunny weather calls for all the cool treats, and if those treats are yummy, even better!

I first tried making chocolate cups. I mixed the chocolate with milk, after it dried out because of microwaving it too long which changed its composition and it failed to solidify afterwards. We fail, we learn. I picked myself up, changed things up and decided to make a frozen treat. These froyo cups are small and dainty, but pack a punch when it comes to flavor. These are a must try this sunny season.

Wine Infused Chocolate Covered Strawberries

February 12, 2016 / Kaluhi / 9 Comments

I could not think of anything more befitting for valentines weekend more than this. These chocolate covered strawberries are so delicious and indulgent. Valentines day aside, I think every day should be a day to shower the people in your life with affection. Each day is special enough to put in a little effort. I hope that you not only try this out this weekend, but make them during random days within the year. Life is too short to wait for one day out of 365 to do special stuff, right?

I made these in December and I was pretty nervous as to how they would turn out. After I had taken the pictures I realized these looked good. And after I tasted them, oh! They blew me away! I have to warn you though, once you try these, it is very likely that you will get addicted to them.

Chocolate Mousse

February 9, 2016 / Kaluhi / 7 Comments

I love chocolate. And that naturally makes me affiliated to chocolate snacks, desserts and treats. No other time of the year is more beffiting for chocolate indulgence more than Valentine’s week. And I will treat you to the same :). Also, if you have been out of the loop, one of my FAVORITE bakers, Ginah and I are giving out the most velvety, delicious cakes on Saturday for three lucky winners. Learn from this Instagram post how you can win.

I made this chocolate mousse and as I am writing this, I wish I could just make another batch and try it out. Most of the mousses I have tasted are usually very rich, and rather dense in my opinion, but delicious none the less. I decided to make mine very light and airy. Trust me, this is so easy!

Amarula Crepes with Macerated Strawberries

January 5, 2016 / Kaluhi / 15 Comments

I love the freshness of new years. Of new days. Of newly born babies. Of new everything! The smell of new is drenched in hope, possibility and optimism. There is an abundance of positive energy at the wake of this infant year. Can you feel it? I sure am channeling it and making the most of it now. So far, this year is my best yet! I read this article yesterday at 7 a.m, and the author stated something that is actually true. Each year, people start with so much enthusiasm but end up being predictable and playing small; just as they have in all past years. I have sought to make this year BIG. No special resolutions, just deliberate action towards my dreams. You should too! Will you join me in conquering the world ? :))

Today’s recipe was what I was meant to make on the day I made these pancakes. I had the concept for amarula crepes, but I did not have creme liqueur or strawberries and felt too lazy to go get some. After the holidays and with all the guests gone, plenty of alcohol is usually still sitting around. I then remembered this recipe and decided to bring it to life. My amarula pancakes and macerated strawberries are the very definition of perfect. Read on to know what a proper grown up brunch should look and taste like #NOM

Easy Dessert – Cake and Custard

July 21, 2015 / Kaluhi / 14 Comments

Have you ever smelt something or ate something and it immediately reminded you of a memory of something or someone? I am sure you have experienced this, whether food related or not. When it comes to food, one of the aromas that take me back to the 90’s is the aroma of custard. It reminds me of the afternoons we would spend with uncle Kivayiru at his home in Kileleshwa. My sisters and I loved it there! We would play so much, get sooooo dirty and fall right asleep in our car ride back home in Langata. To this day, I love custard. There is a way to make it from scratch, but a little shortcut hurt nobody. Especially now that temparatures are dropping, cake and custard will sure warm you up.

Chocolate and Raisin Banana Split Delite

May 5, 2015 / Kaluhi / 0 Comments

I am the kind of person who is very analytical before I get into something. A few weeks before I started this blog, I used to post some pics of what I make at home on my personal Face Book page. I did that to see how the reception would be and how the public warmed up to them. To my surprise, people loved them and requested for the recipes. I was then sure the best platform to share the recipes would be via a blog.

One of the pictures I shared were those of this banana split. I made it first for my sisters and it was a hit. I initially made it with just ground nuts but this time I tweaked it a little bit and added some raisins for some extra sweetness. This is one of those very simple desserts that are just as healthy as they are breathtaking. The flavors of the chocolate, robustness of the raisins, softness of the vanilla yoghurt and texture of the nuts came together in perfect harmony in this banana split.

As I posted on Instagram, for the month of May, I shall focus on very simple recipes that bring out high profile flavors. Today, feast your eyes (and tongue) on this 🙂

Cinnamon-Sugar Dusted Churros with Chocolate Sauce

February 13, 2015 / Kaluhi / 1 Comment

I am the kind of person who believes that if you have special people in your life, you should show them that they indeed are every single time you get a chance to do so. While Valentines Day is an exciting time to shower the people we cherish with affection, we should not limit ourselves to just that one day out of the 365 that exist. Everyday is a good enough day to show affection to your loved ones, or to treat yourself too. Despite my strong belief about tomorrow, I still find no harm by indulging in a bit of chocolate. So I decided o join the band wagon and made the most delicious cinnamon dusted churros ever that will make this Valentine’s weekend one to remember.

Why not do an indoors Valentines day weekend and surprise your loved ones with these out-of -the-world cinnamon dusted churros with the richest chocolate sauce.

Pineapple, Carrot and Raisin Salad

December 19, 2014 / Kaluhi / 2 Comments

I am lucky to live around people who love to host parties to facilitate neighborhood get-togethers, and prepare the best food during the times they host. There is always something new to taste and new food combinations to experience. And for foodies such as myself, this is the ultimate experience. Today’s recipe is actually one of my favorite salads, which I first ate at my neighbors place. I have been hooked on it since! It is so easy to make, but the flavor profile is so sophisticated. I always love having my fruit especially when it is really hot in December, and this salad always makes my indulgence a delight.

This will be a really short post because the process is not too long or complicated. And I must add, this is a must-try for you and your family this festive season 🙂

Kiwi and Strawberry Oreo Icebox Cake

December 12, 2014 / Kaluhi / 2 Comments

Like majority of Kenyan teenagers, I lived out my high school years in boarding school. I was in a Catholic boarding school and it was strict, to say the least. One of the things that I found really bizarre, was how it was imposed on us to carry the same things (snacks, jam, hair tiers, etc) and the many things we were not allowed to have at all (perfume, deodorant, face wash etc). The logic was that they were trying to make us all equal, and that the things we carry from home may go against that. Their intentions were good, but this made some of us mischievous and wildly creative about how we could sneak in the “forbidden” things. One of the snacks we were allowed to carry were these biscuits, only two packets, to last until the next time we returned home, which was about 6-8 weeks away. To break the monotony, we would put tastier snacks in the boxes of the marie biscuits so that they pass past inspection without raising any suspicion. One of my favorite to sneak in were Oreos. I mean, they are so tasty!!! That worked until we were caught and had to get more creative ways of sneaking them in.

When I posted a sneak peek of today’s post on Facebook and Twitter, I got the impression that majority of you thought we shall be baking oreos. Sorry to disappoint you, but that will not be what is going on. I have oven issues as highlighted in this post. However, we are going to use oreos that are ready made and reinvent them into something even tastier.

I decided to make an oreo icebox cake, incorporating kiwi fruit and strawberries, which happen to be the colors of our national flag- black green and red. On this Jamuhuri day, this post is so befitting. I think its an interesting recipe, read on 🙂

Drop scones with strawberry yoghurt chocolate ganache

October 10, 2014 / Kaluhi / 2 Comments

In Kenya, it is not unheard of to have impromptu guest at any time of the day. And whether guests come unannounced or not, it is part of our culture to prepare a meal, small or big, as a sign of hospitality toward our guests. In our home, when guests come unannounced, we turn to easy meals that take a short time to prepare but will still make the guests feel at home. My mother almost always turns to drop scones during such situations. They are very delicious when eaten straight from the heat and they fill the entire house with the most welcoming aroma that any person would love to walk into.

Today, I added a twist to my mother’s favorite and added a rich homemade mascarpone filling. As if that is not hearty enough, I drizzled a chocolate ganache on top of them, which I made with strawberry yoghurt as opposed to heavy cream. And as always, it is easy to make! If I can make this, trust me, you can too.

Ikimuri Parfait

August 22, 2014 / Kaluhi / 0 Comments

My 3 year old cousin, Michelle, is the most adorable fussy eater you will ever meet. She takes ages to chew and swallow her food let alone finish her meals. When she was staying with us during last year’s December holidays & we wanted her to eat faster, we would ‘bribe’ her with her favourite yoghurt which she would have only after she finished her food. This worked flawlessly and she ate so fast just so that she can have her yummy treat! We always gave her yoghurt because not only is it tasty but its healthy and very nutritious.
Today’s dish was inspired by the same concept- tasty and healthy. Sometimes we want to indulge in something delicious but one that is not too laden with sugar and preservatives. Therefore,when I want a healthy dessert, I always make my Ikimuri Parfait. ‘Ikimuri’ is a word from my mother tongue, Luhya language, which means a flower that is just starting to bloom. Because these parfaits I made were so pretty, I named them so since they do resemble young blossoms.

My sisters always enjoy this dessert and I am sure you will love this too.

Tangy Mango Stuffed Crepe

August 19, 2014 / Kaluhi / 10 Comments

We all have those days when we want to have something a little bit sweet and light. Where I live, it can be a bit of a hustle to leave home and get to the nearest bakery because this area is not actively supplied with public transportation which is the means I use. Therefore, whenever that craving kicks in I turn to my favourite comfort food,Mango stuffed crepes, which are fast, tasty and easy to make from home.

Like most of the things I know how to make, this one too was taught by my mother. As years went by, various modifications were made to the recipe. My elder sister, Sieva, perfected the crepe recipe and it is the same one we use to date. My twist on these fabulous crepes was adding various fillings to them. For this filling I used my favourite fruit, mangoes, with some fresh orange zest and a dash of ground cinnamon that elevates the sweetness of the mango and brings out the tartness of the orange zest.

These heavenly tangy mango stuffed crepes make for an ideal healthy breakfast, a rich brunch or a filling snack.

Grape and vanilla yoghurt mini trifle

July 31, 2014 / Kaluhi / 12 Comments

I made these smaller versions of a trifle last evening. They were a huge hit with my family and I can barely contain my excitement presenting this heavenly dessert to you!!! It is a very simple recipe and the ingredients meld so well you may think the flavors took a day to develop but this actually takes less than 20 minutes to make. A trifle that’s this velvety and takes a short time to make is the ultimate win-win, don’t you think?