Have you ever wondered what it would be like to taste ice cream with a spicy kick? If you are feeling adventurous and want to try something different, you might want to check out green chilli ice cream, a unique and delicious fusion of ice cream and Indian spice.
Green chilli ice cream is not a new invention, but it is gradually gaining popularity among ice cream lovers who are looking for a novel and exciting flavour. It is made by adding chopped or crushed green chillies to vanilla ice cream, along with other ingredients such as sugar, cream, lime juice, khus syrup, and spices like cinnamon, ginger, paprika, and cumin. The result is a creamy and refreshing ice cream with a hint of heat and tanginess that will surprise your taste buds.
Green chilli ice cream can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other desserts such as chocolate cake, apple pie, or kulfi. Some people also like to garnish it with pistachios, almonds, or dried red chillies for extra crunch and colour. You can find green chilli ice cream in some speciality ice cream parlours or make it at home using simple ingredients and an ice cream maker.
If you are wondering how to make green chilli ice cream at home, you can follow one of these recipes that I found online:
– Green Chili Ice Cream with Cumin/Pistachios: This recipe uses green chilli wine and frozen green chillies to infuse the ice cream with flavour. It also adds vanilla essence, lemon zest, and khus syrup for a balanced taste. The pistachios add some texture and contrast to the ice cream.
– Raw Mango Chili Ice Cream: This recipe combines raw mango and green chilli to create a tangy and spicy ice cream. It also uses full-fat milk and fresh cream for a rich and smooth texture. The salt enhances the flavour of the ice cream and balances the sweetness.
– Apple Green-Chile Pie and Ice Cream: This recipe pairs green chilli ice cream with apple pie for a delicious dessert. The apple pie is made with fresh apples, green chillies, sugar, butter, flour, and spices. The green chilli ice cream is made with dried red chillies, vanilla ice cream, whipping cream, and sugar.
I hope you enjoyed reading this blog on green chilli ice cream. If you are feeling adventurous and want to try something different, you might want to give this flavour a try. Let me know what you think of it in the comments below. Happy eating! 😋
Kash Pals loves to read, write and travel, DIY, Coffee, Music, Photography, Family, Friends and Life.
She believes as you move through this life…you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life- and travel- leaves marks on you.
If you are looking for a way to use up some fresh plums, why not try making a German plum cake? This cake, also known as Zwetschgenkuchen or Pflaumenkuchen, is a traditional dessert in Germany that is made with a simple batter, juicy plums, and a crumbly streusel topping. It is perfect for serving with coffee or tea, or as a treat for any occasion.
There are different versions of German plum cake, depending on the region and the preference of the baker. Some use a yeast dough, some use a shortcrust pastry, and some use a sponge cake base. Some make it round, and some make it rectangular. Some add cinnamon, vanilla, or lemon zest to the batter or the streusel. But they all have one thing in common: they showcase the sweet and tangy flavor of the plums.
The recipe I am sharing with you today is based on the one from [Plated Cravings], which uses a sponge cake batter and a streusel topping. I like this version because it is easy and quick to make, and it has a nice balance of texture and taste.
Here are the ingredients and steps you will need to make this delicious German plum cake:
Ingredients:
– 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– Zest of 1 lemon
– ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– ¼ cup (60 ml) milk, at room temperature
– About 2 pounds (900 g) of fresh plums, pitted and quartered
– For the streusel:
– 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
– ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
– ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
– ¼ cup (56 g) unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
– Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
– In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
– Add the sugar, vanilla extract, salt, lemon zest, butter, and eggs to the same bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
– Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
– Arrange the plum quarters on top of the batter in a circular pattern, slightly overlapping each other.
– In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel.
– Add the butter and cut it into the flour mixture with a pastry blender or a fork until crumbly.
– Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the plums.
– Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
– Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before removing the springform ring.
– Enjoy your German plum cake with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.
Tips and Variations:
– You can use any kind of plums for this recipe, but I recommend using Italian plums or Empress plums (Zwetschgen), which are traditionally used in Germany. They are smaller, firmer, and less juicy than other plums, which makes them ideal for baking. They also have a deep purple color and a complex flavor that becomes more intense when cooked.
– You can also use other stone fruits like peaches or apricots instead of plums if you prefer.
– You can add some sliced almonds or chopped walnuts to the streusel for some extra crunch and nuttiness.
– You can store the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Kash Pals loves to read, write and travel, DIY, Coffee, Music, Photography, Family, Friends and Life.
She believes as you move through this life…you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life- and travel- leaves marks on you.
Plum cake with two floors
Ingredients for 20 pieces: For the baking sheet (40 x 30 cm): a little fat
Kneading dough: 225 g wheat flour60 g
sugar 1 packet of Dr. Oetker vanillin sugar150 g soft butter or margarine
Topping: about 1 1/2 kg
plums batter: 200 g soft margarine or butter200 g sugar1 packet of Dr. Oetker Vanillin Sugar3
eggs (size M)200 g wheat flour2 level teaspoons Dr. Oetker Original Baking powder
Preparation: 1. Grease the baking sheet. Preheat oven.
Top / bottom heat: around 180 ° C,
hot air: around 160 ° C
(regular) (convection)
2. Kneading dough: Put the flour in a mixing bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and use a hand mixer (dough hook) to mix everything into a dough, first briefly on the lowest, then on the highest level, then shape into a roll. Roll out the dough on the baking sheet, prick the bottom several times with a fork.
3. Slide the baking sheet into the oven on the middle shelf and prebake the base. Baking time: about 12 minutes.Place the baking sheet on a wire rack and let the pastries cool down a little.
3.Topping: Wash the plums, cut in half and stone.
4. Sponge mixture: Mix margarine or butter with a hand mixer (whisk) in a mixing bowl until smooth. Gradually add sugar and vanillin sugar while stirring until it forms a bond. Stir in each egg for about 1/2 minute on the highest setting. Mix the flour with the Baking powder and briefly stir in 2 portions over medium speed. Spread the batter on the kneading dough base. Spread the plums in rows on the batter and put the baking sheet back in the oven.Baking time: about 55 minutes.
5. Place the baking sheet on a wire rack, the
cakeSprinkle with sugar and let cool. Whip the whipped cream with sugar and cinnamon until stiff and decorate the cake with it. Top with a few almond leaves.
TIPS:
You can prepare the cake 1 day before consumption.
The cake also tastes very good with apricots, cherries, or apples cut into wedges and 50 g currants. Apricot the apple pie after baking. To do this, strain 4 tablespoons of apricot jam through a sieve, bring to a boil with 2 tablespoons of water, and brush the apples with it.
If the kneading dough sticks, wrap it in foil and put it in the refrigerator for a while.
Extra notes :
The baking pan dimensions seems a bit off use slightly smaller pan
Make sure you grease or line the baking the pan with butter or parchment paper before rolling dough out.
Dough will be delicate and hard to roll out so just use your fingers to make sure the bottom of your pan is evenly covered.
Let the first layer cool before adding second layer, I recommend atleast 20 mins or longer.
Second layer will look like soft serve ice cream, drop chunks of it on different sections of pan and then gently try to cover whole pan
Add plums only after you have added second layer. You cannot put the plums on first and then add second layer.
~ Recipe courtesy- Dilnaz Kain
I hope you enjoyed this blog post and learned how to make a delicious German plum cake. If you try this recipe, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below.
Kash Pals loves to read, write and travel, DIY, Coffee, Music, Photography, Family, Friends and Life.
She believes as you move through this life…you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life- and travel- leaves marks on you.
Most commercial airlines that operate between East Asia and the Americas steer clear of traversing the Pacific Ocean, primarily due to exorbitant expenses, apprehensions regarding safety, and unpredictable atmospheric conditions.
Let me elucidate the reasons behind this avoidance:
Elevated Expenditures The vastness of the Pacific Ocean necessitates a larger fuel supply, thereby escalating the overall costs incurred by the airlines. While it is plausible for the airlines to compensate for this by charging passengers higher fares for such long-haul journeys, this approach may lead to a multitude of disgruntled customers, causing airlines to suffer a decline in sales.
Safety Apprehensions The remote nature of the Pacific Ocean renders it a less secure option for airline travel when compared to the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. This factor significantly heightens the likelihood of accidents or crashes. Moreover, in the event of an emergency, the Pacific Ocean lacks suitable landing sites such as airstrips or airports on many of its small islands, thereby posing considerable challenges in finding a viable place for an emergency landing. Furthermore, the Pacific Ocean’s notorious weather patterns, frequently characterized by thunderstorms, further contribute to its unsuitability for air travel.
Adverse Weather Conditions The Pacific Ocean is renowned for its turbulent weather conditions and frequent thunderstorms, which pose inherent dangers to planes navigating through its airspace. Given this perilous scenario, airlines would prefer to circumvent such storms altogether, opting to avoid turbulence and ensure passenger comfort.
Curved Flight Paths Commercial flights typically adopt curved routes over expansive landmasses rather than traversing the Pacific Ocean directly. This strategy is employed due to the fact that these curved routes, contrary to what one might expect, actually offer shorter distances. It is important to acknowledge that flat maps can be misleading as they fail to account for the Earth’s spherical shape. Consequently, straight routes do not provide the most efficient distance between two destinations.
In essence, the majority of airlines refrain from flying over the Pacific Ocean due to the significant costs involved, safety concerns, and unpredictable weather conditions. Instead, they opt for curved flight paths over landmasses, which not only saves time and fuel but also bolsters profitability.
Additional Information
There is something called ETOPS which restricts planes to fly for long durations over the sea. Earlier we were operating mostly four-engine aircraft which used to fly over the Pacific. In case of one engine failure the other three will take care. Slowly, to save fuel they introduced three engines and now they fly twin-engine airplanes. Now the problem is if an engine fail in twin-engine aircraft, how to complete the flight? So Extended Twin Engine Ops rules came into force. Whenever an aircraft is designed, the manufacturers announce the duration of ETOPS, which is given in minutes. Whenever a twin-engine airplane flies over oceans and deserts and if it experiences an engine failure, how much time the plane can fly safely to land in an aerodrome? So the flight plan is prepared accordingly. Be it 120 mts, 180 mts, Or more according to the design value. The aircraft is also subjected to strict inspections before undertaking the flight.
Belgium may be small, but it packs a powerful punch regarding things to do and see. Belgian brewers were among the first in the world to develop the beer-brewing process, and the nation has over 1,000 breweries. Additionally, the nation’s chocolate matches that of Switzerland, with decadent treats that will cause you to gain a few pounds while you’re there. Many historical places in Belgium will keep you occupied while you’re there. Well, I was overjoyed to travel to Belgium since I knew my itinerary was going to be the best. As a tourist, I visited Bruges, Brussels, and Ghent among other locations. Let’s learn more about the best places that I visited during my travel.
How to reach Belgium?
If you’re planning to land at Belgium international airportfrom India, I recommend choosing Mumbai as your origin point. The only city with nonstop flights to Belgium is Mumbai. There are 5 weekly flights to Brussels City Airport. Every day of the week, except Sunday and Wednesday, Brussels Airlines runs these flights. This is also the quickest flight, covering the distance in just 9 hours, 50 minutes, from India to Belgium. Moreover, various airlines run additional connecting flights via cities like Amsterdam, Munich, Zurich, London, and Dubai.
Best time to Visit Belgium:
Belgium is best visited in April, May, and June as well as in the period from September to October. These are the best seasons for activities since the weather is ideal, there are many festivals, and nature is at its most attractive. The next season is spring because everyone is anticipating the summer. In Belgium, the high season lasts from July through August, and the low season begins in November and lasts until March.
Getting around Belgium:
Train travel is the most convenient method to explore Belgium. The Belgian train system is excellent; both domestic and international trains operate extremely often, and the stations are typically relatively near to the town centers. With Bruges being the exception, getting to and from the train station requires catching a taxi or a local bus. I simply purchased tickets for this journey at each station I visited.
Moreover, since trains run so often, you don’t need to make reservations or arrive early. There are multi-trip tickets available, but if you just plan on taking this schedule, they are not cost-effective. However, if you intend to stay longer, you may get a multi-trip ticket that will provide you with ten trips throughout Belgium for a fixed price. The prices are either 55 euros for children or 87 euros for adults.
Best tips for Belgium:
Brussels: The capital of Belgium and the seat of the European Union and NATO.
Belgium’s capital, Brussels, is thought of as having a region that is distinct from both Flanders and Wallonia.
Belgium is best known for its beer if there is anything. Belgian beer comes in over 3000 different flavors, and the nation has over 200 breweries. The Trappist beer family includes some of the more distinctive and storied types of beer to come from Belgium.
Rain is always a real possibility no matter what time of year you visit. Even though it’s far less likely to rain in the summer, small showers can still happen, so make sure you take a lightweight rain jacket.
It’s important to note that ordering tap water to go with your meal is frequently not an option. Instead, you have to pay more money for a drink if you are thirsty while you travel to Belgium.
Next, you should always have cash on you when traveling between Germany and Belgium. If you’re visiting a smaller independent establishment rather than a well-known chain, smaller transactions under €5 or €10 nearly never can be paid with a card.
The Christmas Markets in Brussels are one of the best, with over 250 stalls. There is also a multitude of seasonal festivities (including a large Ferris wheel and ice skating). Moreover, one may uncover an all-around winter paradise thanks to its various illuminations and light shows.
My perfect 7 days Itinerary:
2 days in Brussels
I decided to land in Brussels with Lufthansa Airlinesand explore the city before checking out other places. Brussels is the capital of Belgium, and, in my opinion, of chocolate. The majority of tourists in Belgium surely congregate here. Yet just a few blocks away from the main plaza are great secret lanes and neighborhood restaurants. A monument of a little child peeing into a fountain is the most visited landmark here. There are also a lot of important things happening in Brussels. I found a tour of the European Parliament to be fascinating. But if political science isn’t your thing, you might not find it as engaging.
Next, the Grand Palace, located on the main square, is a mini-Versailles that is extremely spectacular for its size. The royal family does not live at the Grand Palace any longer. Instead, their official residence is the Royal Palace, which is also open for tourists but only during the summer. The Royal Palace seems even more spectacular now that it is surrounded by grounds that you may explore on foot.
Moving forwards, it’s practically required to overindulge in Belgian chocolate while visiting the country. And Brussels’ city layout makes it incredibly simple because nearly every street leading off the main square is lined with chocolatiers. You can’t go wrong if you visit a few places with delicious-smelling aromas and get some pralines to go. As for the accommodation, I decided to stay in a hostel for these two days. I instead spend my money dining on delicious food from restaurants.
Bruges: A fairytale-like city often called the Venice of the North.
The city of Brugge (or Bruges) is known for its canals, beer, fries, and, of course, its delectable waffles. The city’s canals are a component that is almost as old as Brugge itself. Visitors can view certain attractions that would otherwise be inaccessible as well as others from new perspectives thanks to them. On my trip, I was curious to check out as many sights as possible. Everyone gets off the vehicle at the train station. I then crossed the Barge Bridge and made my way towards the city. The distinctive shape and vivid red color of this contemporary bridge will attract your attention.
This directs to the Lake of Love, which has a terrace with the best view of the lake and is nearby a park. Beguinage is close to the lake. Women from a 13th-century Christian spiritual community called the Beguines called this structure their home. These women decided to live a life of poverty and service to the sick and less fortunate while giving their all to Christ. In Brugge, it is the sole beguinage that has been conserved. I explored both of these places and even asked some locals about their history. My stay was at one of the nicest Bruges Belgium hotels so after wandering spots, I went to my hotel to take some rest.
Next, I visited De Halve Man Brewery, the last remaining family-run brewery in Brugge. I proceeded to the Church of Our Lady which is also quite peaceful. Then, I ate Brunch while on the way to a shopping center. There, I soon discovered Brugge was quite expensive but still, I bought things to take home. Following, I wandered around the Quai of the Rosary, which is the beginning point of several boat tours. And let me tell you, it was one of the Brugge’s most breathtaking views. The ambiance at this place was wonderful and I couldn’t stop myself from photo-shooting this spot.
1 day in Ostend
Visitors having a little more time might like to visit the shore, where Belgians go to unwind, relax, and take in the cooling sea breeze. Its major city, Ostend, is close to Bruges, thus combining the two is an option rather than taking a ninety-minute train from Brussels. The country’s whole shoreline is overlooked by a wall of enormous high-rises that are unsightly to look at.
In addition to relaxing on its dunes throughout the summer, I rode a bike before stopping for some excellent seafood. The vibrant center of Ostend is also home to a large number of independent stores and several museums. Next, there is a sizable casino that also hosts some elite performances and entertainment options; well I went there to try my luck.
Moving forward, the Kusttram is a great way to view the entire nation’s North Sea coastline. With a total length of 67 km, it is astonishingly the longest tram line in the entire globe. You can always get off the bus along the way to explore the breathtaking dunes at Bredene. But I preferred to savor some fine dining in the upscale beach town of Knokke.
1 day in Ghent
Ghent: A vibrant university town with a rich history.
In my opinion, Ghent is Belgium’s most attractive town. It is on the Lys/Leie River and is home to a spectacular collection of spires and gargoyles-adorned gothic structures. Flanders is the region that includes Ghent, and its dukes and counts were extremely powerful during the Middle Ages. You may visit Gravensteen, which translates to “Castle of the Counts,” in Ghent to witness how the knights previously lived. Because it is voiced by a local comic, the audio tour at that location is especially useful. It will inform you about how the castle’s former residents used to live without being overly dry.
Besides, the walls of the stronghold offer fantastic views of the town as well. The price of admission, which includes the audio guide, is 12 euros for adults and 7 euros for children. Next, with a large number of eateries and beer gardens with outdoor seating, the riverbank region of Ghent is a food and beverage destination. You can stroll along the riverwalk or find a spot and relax while taking in the sights. I strolled along the riverwalk since I was very much excited to see all that the spot has to offer.
Ghent has a magnificent church. In the center of the square stands Saint Nicholas Church, which is more than 800 years old and very gorgeous. With several enormous panel paintings within, the cathedral also functions as a gallery. To get off the traditional tourist route, see a little more of the city, and pay a little less, I stayed on the other side of the river from the major sights.
1 day in Antwerp
Antwerp: A city with a rich artistic heritage and a vibrant fashion scene.
This was my last day in Belgium and I have decided to explore it to the fullest at Antwerp. The second-largest city in Belgium and a historical hub of trade and the diamond business is Antwerp. Regarding lodging, I made an effort to book a place close to the historic district. If I’m being really honest, Antwerp was my least favorite location in Belgium. But that was primarily because a significant portion of the city was under renovation. Since most of the stuff has now been finished, getting around should be much simpler and less noisy and chaotic.
Antwerp resembles Brussels in terms of size, but it has a more commercial vibe than Brussels, which is more of a political hub. Antwerp is unquestionably the place to go if you want to shop in Belgium. This area offers a wealth of historical and cultural attractions in addition to shopping. The Cathedral and Rubenshuis are the top two I’d advise giving one day to. The Handschoenmarkt (Glove Market), a square in Antwerp’s Old Town, is where you’ll find the Cathedral of Our Lady, popularly known as De Kathedraal. This majestic Gothic structure is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Whereas, Peter Paul Rubens, a Dutch painter, lived in Rubens House, also known as Rubenshuis. One of the most well-known European artists, Rubens had a major impact on the development of Baroque painting. Many of his paintings include portraits and are fairly dark. You can view some of his works at the house, which has been renovated into a modest museum in homage to the artist.
Conclusion–
I had a great time in Belgium, and if you’re thinking about visiting too, seek cheap tickets to Belgium. There are several of them that can transport you to this lovely land and allow you to discover it in person.
Author bio I’m Anurag Rathod and I’ve always had a strong affinity for travel. With my wife, I have set off on a journey to visit every country in Asia. Both of us enjoy traveling, whether it be an adventurous one or a relaxing trip.
