Mihidana Cheese Cake - Durga Puja Delights

On the onset of Durga puja, Kolkata becoms sheerly festive. Every year Kolkata celebrated this festival like a carnival, Pujor Khabar forms an integral part of the entire Parikrama. Going to restaurants and smapling new fare, as almost every restaurants serve some Puja specials. 

Pujo, as I correct myself, comes with really wild memories, all nigh long panadal hopping session, the smell of dhuno, the ecoes of conch early in the morning, the dhaak beating at a tempo that would render anyone dancing. The Giant wheels, the adda at Maddox Square all keep me waiting every year for durga puja . They say you always meet lost friends at Maddox Square in the pujas. 

The biryani, kosha stalls at puja pandals, those paara pandaal cultural functions, Shayama, Chandalika, Chitrangada, all coming to life in local pandals. And not to forget the early Morning breakfasts at Terhatti bazaar. 

Well before I get carried away, Let me tell you what I have in Store. I am taking a Present day hit Cheese Cake and giving it a traditional Bengali twist. Taking the quintessential Bangali MIHIDANA and paring it with a cheese cake .  Had Shared this recipe with RJ Arvind on Radio One .... In his show Arvind's Kitchen. 

Gelatin 50 g

1/2 cup water 

Whipped cream 200g

Cream Cheese 100g 

Marie biscuits 75g

ginger biscuts 50 g

Butter 50g

Powdered sugar 50g + 50g

Mihidna (motichoor ) 250 g 

2 tsp badam syrup 

• Whip the cream and set aside
• Beat in powdered sugar 50g in to the cream with some chopped fresh fruit or crush
• Crush the biscuits and mix 50g sugar and butter into the biscuits for the base
• Set the crust and chill
• Dissolve and melt gelatin in water 
• Add the gelatin to the cream mixture
• mix in 200 g of the mihidana and badam syrup 
• Pour over the crust and chill
• Finally top with remaining mihidana and set