Valentine’s Day 2024: Chef Bidyut Saha Shares 3 Dessert Recipes
Image Credit: Valentine Strawberry Pastry

Valentine's Day is incomplete without a good meal. Instead of buying flowers and fancy gifts, whip some magic in the kitchen to surprise your partner with the best dinner date ever. Soft music, good food and loads of love, these three things are enough to add charm to a romantic relationship.    

Just like other festivals, desserts are also a vital part of Valentine’s Day. It is believed that sharing sweet treats with your partners makes the bond stronger and is also associated with love and affection. According to a report by J Psychoactive Drug, sugary treats are also known to accelerate the release of endorphins in the brain, which creates feelings of pleasure and happiness.    

So, to enhance your mood and add charm to your Valentine’s eve, here are three special desserts shared by Chef Bidyut Saha, Executive Chef, Taj Corbett Resort & Spa. Chef Bidyut Saha is known to impress his diners by serving them hearty and amazing dishes from various cuisines across the world. Besides his love for cooking chicken dishes like Delhiwala tawa murg and chicken tikka at home, he is also a true fan of millets. For promoting the ancient grain, he and his team has also curated a list of delectable millet dishes in the menu such as millet jalebis, ragi dosa and finger millet mutton curry. 

Rose Mousse     


Ingredients    

  • 2 cups heavy cream     
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar     
  • 2 tsp rose water     
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract     
  • 2 tsp Rose Syrup      
  • Rose petals for garnish      

Method     

  • In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. Gradually sift in the powdered sugar, continuing to beat until well combined and the mixture is smooth.   
  • Gently fold in the rose water and vanilla extract until evenly distributed. Add rose syrup and mix until the syrup is evenly distributed.      
  • Divide the mousse into moulds. Cover it and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the mousse is set.     
  • Once set, remove the cover and garnish with edible rose petals if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy the delicate flavour of the rose mousse!     

Strawberry Cheesecake     


Ingredients    

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs     
  • 1/4 cup melted butter     
  • 2 packages cream cheese, softened     
  •  1/2 cup sugar     
  • 2 eggs     
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract     
  • 1 cup diced strawberries     

Method    

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust.     
  • In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.   
  • Gently fold in the diced strawberries into the cream cheese mixture. Pour the mixture over the graham cracker crust and spread evenly.     
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the edges are lightly golden.     
  • Allow the cheesecake to cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve and enjoy your delightful Valentine’s Day dessert!     

Valentine Strawberry Pastry     

Ingredients    

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour     
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar     
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda     
  • 1 teaspoon salt     
  • 1 teaspoon cocoa powder     
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil     
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature     
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature     
  • 2 tablespoons Strawberry Syrup     
  • 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar     
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract     

For the cream cheese frosting:     

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened     
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened     
  • 4 cups powdered sugar     
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract     

Method     

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.   In a medium bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.     
  • In a large bowl, mix oil, buttermilk, eggs, strawberry syrup, vinegar, and vanilla extract until well combined.     
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth and well incorporated. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pan.     
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, and check with a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cakes to come out clean.     
  • Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.     
  • While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.     
  • Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy and smooth.   Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top.     
  • Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Decorate with sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries for a festive touch.     
  • Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set.