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With Diwali around the corner, and Halloween and house parties filling up the fall and winter calendar, now is the perfect time to decide on the sweet treats you'll be doling out for your gatherings. Whether you're making traditional sweets for Diwali or Western-style desserts for Halloween, it's the filling that can make any dessert taste wonderful. A good filling can turn a simple dessert into a masterpiece.
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Making sweet fillings at home is an art so much fun and creative in giving your personal touch to your favourite recipes. From their classic Indian flavours to Western-style fillings, there is no dearth of options in crafting the perfect centre for your sweets. Let us see how some tasty fillings can be used to make not only traditional but also Western desserts ready for any festive occasion.
Classic Khoya Filling
Khoya or mawa is a characteristic ingredient in most traditional Indian sweets. Made slowly by evaporating milk, it has a rich, creamy texture and is often sweetened and flavoured with cardamom. A simple khoya filling can be made by adding sugar, dry fruits like almonds and pistachios, and a touch of cardamom powder in it.
This filling is best used to stuff into gujiyas or modaks and also can be a base for ladoos or barfis. Rich, aromatic, and that authentic traditional touch to any dessert, this filling can be taken up another notch with lightly toasted khoya and mixed with dried fruits, bringing in that nutty flavour profile.
Chocolate Ganache Filling
But if you want to go West, then nothing could top the smooth, luscious chocolate ganache. Again, this versatile filling requires only two ingredients—chocolate and cream—and can be used for everything from cupcakes to macarons. It is a showstopper, be it for Halloween parties or house gatherings.
To make ganache simply heat cream, pour over chopped dark or milk chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir smoothly. Cool down and use as a filling in cakes or pipe it into doughnuts, tarts, or eclairs. The richness of ganache is so beautiful in contrast with light flaky pastry or soft cake, hence it's an important filling in so many Western desserts.
Coconut and Jaggery Filling
If you want a filling that is between old and new, coconut and jaggery will be an excellent choice. The sweet and slightly caramelised filling is a favourite among Indian sweets such as patishapta, Bengali sweets or puran poli, though it is also extremely nice when done with a more Western-style pastry such as hand pie or turnover.
Made from freshly grated coconut, sautéed in ghee with a light cooking and adding grated jaggery and a hint of cardamom, till the mixture is thick. It results in a sweet and chewy and fragrant filling that adds a touch of tropical. Stuffing for bread rolls and buns, this filling can be used for different dosas, and crepes too.
Ricotta Cheese Filling
Ricotta cheese is more tender and softer compared to other cheeses. This particular characteristic can make this cheese a creamier filling, especially if you love cheesecakes or tarts. The cheese's light, grainy texture makes it possible to add sugar and flavourings such as lemon zest, vanilla, or cinnamon to become sumptuous without being too rich at the same time.
Mix ricotta with powdered sugar and desired flavourings to form a smooth sweet filling which makes it ideal for filling cannoli, tarts, or dough pastries. This filling goes well with fresh fruits like berries and stone fruits, so it is a versatile option for both eastern and western desserts.
Dry Fruit and Nut Filling
To prepare an indulgent yet nutritious filling, make a dry fruit and nut mixture. This filling goes very well with traditional Indian sweets such as kaju rolls or badam katli and also pairs well with all Western pastries, like strudels or puff pastries.
For this filling you could smash together a mix of nuts like almonds, cashews and pistachios, then puree them with dates, raisins, and honey to add sweetness if needed; you might even sprinkle some saffron or cardamom in there to add depth. The rich filling has a pleasant texture and a natural sweetness that is well suited for Indian Diwali treats or more elegant Western desserts.
