I think I know why desserts were invented. I imagine some foodie like you or me drew a long face on finishing a yummy meal (‘cz empty plates make us so sad) and someone decided to cheer them up with a sugary treat!

And that was exactly what my friend Tanvi did on the last day of my trip to Delhi!

But we begin, of course, with breakfast. She checked with me if I ate mushrooms while I played with her little one. And just like she once showed me how restaurant-style pasta can be made at home, she made mushroom-stuffed savoury crepes that begged to be on MasterChef!

For the uninitiated, stuffed crepes (rhymes with grapes) are like a French version of the masala dosa. Except you can have sweet versions of crepes too. Bangalore-ians, head to Lot Like Crepes in Koramangala. I had this sweet crepe with strawberry and powdered sugar. Absolute delight!

The Delhi trip was coming to a close. I had an afternoon flight and Tanvi had a birthday party to attend, so we had to pack and leave soon. Not before I got a slice of the delicious white chocolate Oreo mousse cake that she’d prepared and set in the fridge the previous night. She also packed for me a bag of chocolate chip cookies to munch on, in case I got hungry in the flight.

The birthday party was organized at Yabba Dabba Doo. It is one of those places called a playhouse/ tumblehouse.  Tanvi had told me that it’s the modern version of the children’s park from our childhood. Just a more controlled environment with no dirt and also babysitters who’d look after the kids. I was curious, so Tanvi suggested that I stop by on my way to the airport to see this place. It seemed like a lot of fun for kids, with ball pits, tiny  trampolines and plastic doll-houses. Besides the birthday cake, they’d arranged for milkshakes and food too. What kind of a gate-crasher would I be if I didn’t eat, right? Especially if there’s chhole bhature being served!

A short drive to the airport and soon, I was looking out of my cabin window as the aircraft sped along the runway, ready for take-off. At thirty thousand feet in the air, I munched on perfect home-made crunchy yet soft cookies with a chocochip in every bite.

My trip ended here but Tanvi’s journey with food began soon after. She’s gone on to start a home baking business, while still publishing research papers and taking her baby to play dates. You’ll love the pictures of her cupcakes, pesto croissants and innovative kala khatta chuski cake on her Facebook page ‘Mad Batter by Tanvi‘.
Here’s a sneak peek into her creations. 

If you’re one of those ‘Insta’ people, you can check out Instagram.com/mad_batter_tg. And if you happen to be in Delhi, try one of her cakes or breads and you’ll thank me for it!