Beat lockdown blues by baking something special for your loved one

Each time you think that the lockdown is about to end, it just gets pushed on for some time… and then some more. 2020 feels like a lost year now, with people shifting the intent and focus on staying afloat, rather than on thriving and prospering. 

Birthdays, anniversaries, welcome home get-togethers: events that were formerly celebrated with great zeal and pomp have now become low key events and hushed affairs. And while all of us did take it pretty well, to begin with, matters are now getting out of the hand. COVID-19 and the consequent lockdown have taken a toll on all of us, physically, mentally, and emotionally; and taking care of one’s emotional health is the topmost priority now. 

The lockdown has left all of us feeling exasperated and irritated more than we would like to be. Midnight cravings and the inability to fulfill them only add to these woes. It is difficult to remember the last time we had a good choco lava cake from our favorite bakery or even stopped by to have some tea and cake at the tea stall down the lane. And honestly, it seems like there is still a long way to go before we can cherish those days again!

>And while those experiences cannot be re-lived, they can surely be recreated. After all, why let the lockdown come in the way of creating and relishing some amazing desserts? 

In collaboration with pastry chef Muskan, owner and founder of Risata, we have curated some easy yet full-proof recipes for you all to try out at home during the lockdown. With ingredients that are easily available and methods that require no fancy equipment other than basic baking material, these recipes can be whipped up in no time. The hardest part, for sure, would be to wait for these beauties to bake in the oven and then letting them cool down for some time before you dig in!

Read on to get your hands on one of Muskan’s most guarded and full-proof recipes of all times, and that too, an eggless one! 

Do try it out this weekend and be prepared to surprise friends and family with your isolation creation. You could also try this recipe out and then finish it up with some basic decoration to create a perfect cake or treat to mark a special occasion during the lockdown.  

Vanilla and choco-chip muffins

Who does not love vanilla? And honestly, vanilla and choco-chips are a match made in heaven. The perfect flavor for those who cannot choose between the two classic flavors, we bet you cannot stop at just one cupcake. Yogurt makes the texture of the cake really soft and tender, and few can guess that it is without eggs!

Here is what you will need:

1 cup regular yogurt

2 teaspoons vanilla essence (try to use the best quality essence that you can find)

160 grams caster sugar (or just pulverize your regular sugar in the mixer till it breaks down into really fine pieces)

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 ½ baking powder

2/3 cup refined oil (flavorless and odorless)

220 grams flour

50 grams choco chips (feel free to use more, up to 100 grams, if you want to!)

How to bake these gorgeous cupcakes:

1. Whisk together the yogurt, vanilla, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda in a large bowl. 

2. Set aside for 5 minutes and do not disturb. You should be able to see bubbles on the surface after 5 minutes. 

3. Sieve in half of the flour and whisk gently. 

4. Add in all of the oil and combine.  

5. Finally, sieve in the remaining flour, and whisk till no lumps remain. However, take care that you do not over mix the batter at all, or you will not get the desired texture.

6. Add in the choco-chips, and mix the batter to combine everything together.  

7. Pour in cupcake liners and bake in a preheated oven at 160 C for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

 

 

If you are not a choco-chip fan, you can easily omit them and then bake the recipe as it is. Or if you want to get really innovative, feel free to let your creative juices flow and tweak the recipe any way you want. The recipe tastes equally delicious even with some toasted dry fruits, or crushed Oreos, or even some lemon zest and cranberries! There is no end to the number of combinations that you could try out with this recipe.   

We cannot wait for you guys to try out the recipe, and let us know how it turned out. Do tag us, @bemycharmofficial and @risata_by_muskan in your isolation creations, and get us all drooling. 

And for customized handcrafted desserts across Delhi NCR, contact @risata_by_muskan on their Instagram handle, and they would be more than happy to whip up something gorgeous for you and your family. Use the coupon code  BMCRSCLB10 to place an order with Risata, and avail a 10 percent discount on your next purchase with Risata!