Diwali is the season of gifting and receiving. And now, even as the festive hangover rages on in full force, those boxes of mithai and dried fruit staring you in the face present the formidable choice of re-gifting or repurposing. To help make the decision easier, we spoke to Reetu Uday Kugaji, a culinary expert and consultant chef, to explore interesting ways of using up those Diwali leftovers.
“Leftover mithai is surprisingly versatile and can find numerous applications. However, before you begin to repurpose the sweets, make sure to examine them carefully — any change in texture or a sour smell is a sign that the sweets may not be safe for consumption. Discard these,” she warns.
Mithai makeovers If you’re tired of munching on boxes of peda or kaju katli, chef Kugaji suggests the following hacks: . Store leftover dried fruit in a clean airtight jar with some organic honey. The honey preserves the dried fruit and increases their shelf life.
You can stir this mixture into your morning cereal or granola, or even on buttered toast. . With Christmas just around the corner, soak leftover dried fruit in wine, rum or brandy, and use them to make Christmas cake and other delicious bakes.
For more flavour, add spices such as nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and dry ginger. You could also invite your friends over for a cake mixing ceremony in anticipation of the Christmas festivities. .
Use dried fruit in granola bars. Add some nuts, seeds, nut butter and rolled oats with some honey. .
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