Chocolate & Christmas: Chef Vikas Chawla’s Orange Upside-Down Sorghum Millet Cake

Chocolate is often hailed as the food of Gods and quite rightly so. Be it any occasion or moment, a bar of chocolate just makes it even more special, doesn’t it? There’s something to chocolate that can only be felt when had. Some call it pure decadence, while some call it bliss. Chocolate’s versatility as an ingredient makes it all the more popular today among chefs and food connoisseurs. 

With the ongoing festive season, chocolate recipes galore. From puddings to cakes and hot chocolates to fondues, it’s time to savour some of the innovative chocolate dishes prepared by chefs and bakers round the world.

1. Which dessert defines Christmas for you and why ? 

“Christmas wouldn’t be complete without an apple cinnamon pie . The warm, spiced aroma and flaky crust evoke cherished family moments. Its a traditional grandmother’s dish made with  love for the whole family.”

2. What is that one dessert that you have created inspired by Christmas or festive spirit in general? 

“Orange cake recipe made with sorghum millet and jaggery.”

3. What are some of the best Christmas desserts you have had and what makes them special? 

“It’s plum cake made with a twist, as we substituted refined flour with millet flour and sweetened with jaggery powder.”

4. How important is the role of chocolate in Christmas? 

“Chocolate plays a pivotal role, adding a decadent touch to traditional treats. It elevates classics and introduces new dimensions to festive desserts.”

5. What are different ways we can use chocolates in Christmas?

“From hot cocoa to chocolate-dipped fruits and nuts, there’s a plethora of ways to use chocolate around Christmas. Consider incorporating cocoa nibs in cookies or drizzling melted chocolates over gingerbread.”

6. Any nostalgic food memory of yours that in a way connects Christmas and chocolates?

“Ginger cookie dipped in dark chocolate, or bite with coffee.” 

Orange Upside-Down Sorghum Millet Cake 

Here is an easy orange cake recipe made with sorghum millet to make your christmas special.

Ingredients (Candied Orange & Orange Syrup):

• Orange (Citrus, tight skin) – 3 pieces
• Sugar – 100 gms
• Water – 240 ml
• Ingredients (Cake Batter):
• Butter – 100 gms
• Castor sugar – 100 gms
• Jaggery powder – 75 gms
• Sorghum millet flour – 100 gms
• Whole wheat flour – 100 gms
• Skim milk powder – 100 gms
• Baking powder – 12 gms
• Full cream milk – 250 ml

Method:

1. Wash two oranges and cut them into 3 mm thick slices.

2. Make a syrup by boiling sugar and water in a broad base pan (minimum 10 inches diameter) for 4 minutes to accommodate all the slices.

3. Dip orange pieces in syrup and simmer on low flame for 10-12 minutes to make candy.

Take out the candied slices in a plate and cool them and dry them. (You will still have some syrup left in pan)

4. Squeeze the juice of one orange into the balance syrup.

5. Boil again for 3-4 minutes to make syrup. Keep it aside for the final drizzling on the baked cake.

Healthy Hot Chocolate Pudding 

Ingredients

• Sorghum millet flour –  50 gms
• Jaggery powder –  50 gms 
• Walnut powder –  50 gms 
• Butter –  50 gms
• Dark chocolate  –  50 gms 
• Milk – 70 ml 
• Baking powder – 1/2 teaspoon   

Method

1. Preheat oven at 170 degrees Celsius for 15 mins. Keep a pan on low heat and add butter. 

2. Melt butter on very low heat by continuously moving the pan to avoid overheating. As soon as the butter melts, break the dark chocolate into pieces and add them to the pan. Turn off the flame.  (The heat of the pan will be enough to melt the chocolate).

3. Take all the dry ingredients in a pan and mix well with spatula . Make a pit in the centre, add the melted chocolate and butter. Now add milk and mix all the ingredients well to make a smooth batter. 

4. Pour the batter in a baking dish without greasing it, because we’ll be serving hot by scooping out with a ladle. 

5. Put it in a oven and bake for 15 minutes. Serve this gooey hot chocolate pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

While chocolate has been beloved treat for centuries, millet is emerging as a star ingredient in modern health-conscious cuisine. Together they create a delightful fusion of flavours and textures  that not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also caters to the growing demand for nutritious and wholesome indulgence. 

Chocolate has a story dating back to ancient civilisation, millet on the other hand, is an ancient grain that has been a staple in many traditional diets around the world. Known for its resilience and adaptability to diverse climates, millet has sustained civilisations for thousands of years.

The fusion of both is a match made in gastronomic heavens, when incorporated into various recipes, millet adds a nutty and slightly sweet flavour that compliments the decadence of chocolate. Beyond the taste, the combination of chocolate and millet offers a  range of health benefits. Dark chocolate, in particular, is rich in antioxidants which have been linked to numerous health advantages, including improved heart health. Millet, being a nutrient-dense whole grain, contributes to better digestion, sustained energy and enhanced overall well-being. 

Chefs and home cooks are experimenting with the dynamic duo in various culinary creations. From chocolate and millet pancakes to desserts like chocolate millet pudding, the possibilities are endless.