East meets West
Author tells her story with food and recipes
East meets west in this unique cookbook of equisite desserts and baking, representing all the culinary traditions of the world. Author Ashia Ismail-singer says the recipes tell a story: “My story, one that I love sharing.”
Ashia is of Indian heritage, but born in Malawi, South Africa. Political instability caused her family to move to the UK when she was in her teens and then later she moved to New Zealand.
“My passion is food and I love sharing my love of cooking and writing and especially my style of cooking which blends all the countries I have lived in.”
Each recipe is infused with spices, taking these sweet treats to another level.
SPICED APPLE-BLOSSOM TART
Another absolutely gorgeous dessert that’s perfect for a special dinner party.
Pink Lady apples are best as they work really well and make a delicious pairing with the spiced biscuits.
Ingredients
■ 3 large Pink Lady apples, cored and thinly sliced
■ 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
■ 1⁄4 cup white sugar, plus 2 Tbsp extra
■ 1⁄2 tsp ground cinnamon
■ 1⁄4 tsp ground nutmeg
■ 1⁄4 tsp ground cardamom
■ 3⁄4 tsp salt, plus 1⁄2 tsp extra
■ 250g spiced or ginger biscuits
■ 3 Tbsp melted butter
■ 1 egg white
FILLING
■ 250g cream cheese, at room temperature
■ 2 Tbsp sugar
■ 1⁄4 cup butter, melted
■ 2 Tbsp runny honey or maple syrup
Method
Preheat the oven to 180C.
In a large bowl, add the apple slices, brown and white sugar (first measure), the spices and the first measure of salt and toss together to coat. Leave to stand for 40 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the slices are pliable.
Process the biscuits in a food processor until finely ground. Add the melted butter, the extra sugar, the extra salt and the egg white and pulse together to combine. Press the mixture into the base and sides of a 25cm pie dish.
Bake the base for 10-12 minutes until the edges are slightly brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely.
In a bowl, combine the cream cheese and sugar and mix until smooth. Spread the mixture on the base of the cooled crust.
Drain the apple mixture, discarding any juices. Working from the outside in, arrange the apple slices in a spiral shape until you get to the centre. Drizzle the melted butter over the top and bake for about 45 minutes or until the apples are tender.
Remove from the oven and set aside to cool for 1 hour before serving drizzled with honey or maple syrup.