Kashi Wali’s Saffron Cheesecake
This recipe was invented by Kashi Wali, my Mother, soon after she came from India to the United States. She and her husband loved to entertain friends and colleagues, and it occurred to her that putting a new twist on a standard American desert would please her guests. She used the Joy of Cooking recipe for “cheesecake cockaigne” and added an “Indian” flavor to it by using two very special spices—cardamom and saffron. Both of these spices are used in India for very special sweet dishes, such as Shrikand, a creamy sweet yoghurt desert. When I was in college and lived in a coop, I made the cheesecake for my dorm mates, and they gave it an award! Ever since, whenever I entertain guests and want to do something special, I make this cheesecake. Now, I share this recipe with my children and with all of you!
Click here to watch the full video by Monona Wali.
For a 9” pie pan:
Ingredients
For the graham cracker crust:
Cheesecake:
Bring cream cheese to room temperature and soften. In a medium bowl, beat until creamy (about 30 seconds). Gradually beat in sugar and vanilla.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating them in and making sure they are fully blended in.
Add the half and half and beat until mix is creamy.
Add in the saffron and cardamom and stir to thoroughly blend.
Pour batter into the crust, smooth top and place pan on a cookie sheet. Bake in 325 degree oven for about 45 minutes, or till cake slightly puffs up or just barely jiggles when tapped.
Remove cake from oven and let cool.
Then spread this sour cream topping on the cake:
Sour cream topping:
Mix all ingredients together and keep chilled till spread on cheesecake.
Return the cake to oven set on high heat or broil for about 7 minutes till topping starts to bubble.
Remove and chill cheesecake overnight, preferably or for several hours before serving.
If you like, add fresh strawberries or other berry toppings!
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Supporters | |||
Name | Date | Amount | Comments |
Michaela Marchi | 08/20/2020 | $103.30 | In honor of Alaka Wali and her mother and for all our mothers who feed us their hope, love and creativity to help shape who we become. Alaka has been a mentor, inspiration, teacher, dear friend and like a mother to me and a treasure to work with during my formative years with the Cultural Connections program. Thank you always... | Melissa Hilton | 08/17/2020 | $103.30 | Donated in admiration for Alaka and her dedication to building cross-cultural alliances that strengthen our community. And for her delicious recipe! | Alaka Wali | 08/16/2020 | $103.30 | Ellen Galland | 08/14/2020 | $103.30 | David Farren | 08/11/2020 | $51.80 | Cant wait to try it! | Jamie Lewis | 08/10/2020 | $20.91 | Susan Baird | 08/10/2020 | $206.28 | Michael Hubbard | 08/10/2020 | $51.80 | Maria Pinto | 08/10/2020 | $51.80 | Rebecca Janowitz | 08/08/2020 | $103.30 | Lovely video! | Lynn Bolles | 08/08/2020 | $26.06 | My Georgia born, (1916-1995) Mother was raised in NJ in an immigrant Jewish community. She made a lemon infused cheesecake inspired by childhood friends’ kitchens. | Shashi Agrawal | 08/07/2020 | $50.00 | Shanti Hubbard | 08/07/2020 | $21.12 | Sheila Dessalines | 08/06/2020 | $50.00 | Sophia Twichell | 08/06/2020 | $103.30 | Amina J. Dickerson | 07/28/2020 | $103.30 | In honor of Alaka for her vision in founding CAC, and in honor of Angel Ysaguirre,one of this year's honorees. | Pamela Calvert | 07/24/2020 | $10.00 |
Total | $1,262.87 |