Chocolate cake, ice-cream and strawberries - a surefire success.

Make your own coconut cream using this extremely simple method. You will never go back to the bought packs again, which do not only cost more but are also filled with preservatives. Coconut cream can be used to make different curries ranging from south-indian to thai curries and various desserts.

Like chocolate sauce, strawberry sauce is also a favourite topping for ice-creams and other desserts like pies and puddings too. It is loved by children especially, due to the attractive colour and fruity flavour. Now, you do not have to buy strawberry sauce from outside as it can be prepared within minutes using this easy and quick method of thickening using corn flour. So, treat yourself and your family to a fruity, vitamin-rich, homemade delight.

Chocolate cake interlaced with seasonal fruits and chantilly cream makes a sumptuous dessert.

Rich chocolate cake topped with a tangy lemon mousse.

A classic german dessert of chocolate sponge layered with cream and cheeries.

Pumpkin dumplings tossed in a crunchy walnut, spinach and cottage cheese sauce. Ground nutmeg adds a delightful new twist to this traditional favourite. Semolina is used for binding the gnocchi along with plain flour as it imparts a delicious texture to the gnocchi. Choose firm, rich, orange coloured pumpkin for a good texture and flavour. Squeeze out all the water from the pumpkin after it has been boiled to reduce the amount of flour required to bind the gnocchi. You can prepare the gnocchi in advance and toss it in the sauce just when you are ready to serve it.

Italian cooking is never complete without the mention of this famed dessert that is as popular beyond the shores of italy as it is within italy. Literally translated tiramisu means “lift me up”. Tira mi su was named for its restorative properties - cream, cheese and wine that were thought to be excellent for those in poor health. The addition of expresso should give a lift to those in the best of health! mascarpone traditionally used for this dessert which is a rich, soft cheese. It is smooth and mild in texture and originated in northern italy. Cream cheese has been substituted in place of mascarpone with equally good results. Marsala, an amber coloured wine from sicily, is a part of the traditional recipe. The sweeter variety is used for this dessert. Port wine has been found to be a good substitute if marsala is not available. You can arrange the tiramisu in individual glasses instead of a serving dish. But this is a must try recipe to lift up spirits!

A delightful combination of rabdi and mangoes interlaced between layers of vanilla sponge and topped with fresh cream. You can also try other gateau recipes like the Orange Gateau or Strawberry White Chocolate Gateau .

Relax with a cup of Talumein Soup and revel in its amazingly balanced flavours. The more the vegetables, the healthier the soup, so do not hold back on that front and throw in all the veggies you can lay your hands on. Ensure that the vegetables are crunchy and not overcooked as over-cooked vegetables will make the soup inedible. Truly a healthy indulgence! You can also try other soups like Cream Of Broccoli Soup or Vegetable and Basil Soup .

I have modified this traditional Chinese delight a wee bit to suit the diabetic constitution! You can further vary the spices according to your taste, or even use schezuan sauce instead of soya sauce for a variation. Low fat paneer can be replaced by tofu or soya curd to make it even more healthy. Do try other diabetic friendly recipes like Baked Mushroom Rolls with Tomato and White Sauce or Stir Fry Wrap with Mushroom Sauce .

Tofu chila, apart from energy, the brain requires a constant supply of oxygen and other nutrients to function well. Iron and protein are required for the formation of hemoglobin that carries oxygen to brain. Calcium is required for the transmission of impulses or messages to and fro. Hence, a recipe like this provides all of it. As it contains tofu and sprouts.

Erissery made with yam and plantains is a part of the festive fare served on Onam , the biggest festival celebrated in Kerala. Alternatively, this recipe can be prepared with pumpkin and red oriental beans too. You can also try other South Indian vegetable dishes like Malabari Curry or Avial .

Double layered chocolate truffle gateau, this eggless recipe is a good workaround for those caught between staunch vegetarianism and the lure of chocolate! If you are just preparing the basic chocolate sponge, you can serve it with chocolate and raspberry sauce or plain chocolate sauce .