FOOD SPECIAL .....................Honey, I shrunk the birthday cake!

Honey, I shrunk the birthday cake! 
 

In line with the rising craze for ‘mini’ foods, folks are opting for petite replacements for the traditional, large dessert

    You’ve had vegan birthday cakes, ones made of vegetable or fruit layers, and even gluten-free varieties; now, the latest fad has shrunk the proportions of the birthday cake dramatically. Get ready to gently blow out candles on a tiny little cupcake or even a doughnut! With mini burger sliders, tiny pizzettes and soup shots already a huge hit, will this pint-sized idea take over too?
WHAT’S IN THE LITTLE BITE?
Plenty, says dessert specialist, Sabina Gupta, who admits little two-tier miniatures and cakelettes (small versions of the traditional cake) for birthdays are very popular. “The idea of having a whole kilo is passé. The cakelettes may have a small dimension (just four or five inches in diameter), but you can get as creative as possible with them, using standup banners, edible images, fondant lettering and much more,” says Gupta. The hot favourite? “Red velvet cakelettes win hands down,” she adds.
HEALTH FACTOR
The idea is absolutely apt for weight watchers, says nutritionist Suman Agarwal. “In today’s world, we can’t burn as many calories with our lives being more automated. Due to this, our energy expenditure has become less. But the common craving is still desserts, so going bite-sized works. When smaller portions are advised in food, can desserts be left behind? The usual rich cakes, filled with sugar and cream can spike sugar and cholesterol levels and damage skin collagen. It can create havoc for women suffering from PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and worsen insulin resistance. For diabetes, sugar is a huge villain, so having just a single bite might be a solution.”
TIPS TO MAKE A LEAN DESSERT
Make the icing with low-fat cream Make the cake spongy, not dense Experiment with multigrains instead of refined flour Use honey instead of refined sugar glaze
BIRTHDAY CAKE POPS TOO!
Cake pops can also be a cake replacement. “Instead of a large slice, just hand out these tiny, decorated cakes with sprinkles; people will love them. A pop is basically a sponge or brownie, made, cooled, rolled into a lollipop shape and dipped in chocolate. It’s a nice quick-fix, perfect for giving guests to take home as an after-meal party favour too! You can make them as per your theme: angry birds, super hero, floral etc,” says Ayushi Shah, pastry chef.

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