According to a report by The Times of India on November 2, despite rising prices, dry fruit gift baskets still top the list of gifts for Diwali this year. Considered a safe gifting option due to their long shelf life, dry fruits found their way into everyone’s homes along with Indian preserves. But if you haven’t finished using your Diwali gift baskets yet, you can upcycle them and continue enjoying them long after the festival is over. CT spoke to bakers and chefs in Kolkata to find out how to maximize the load of a hamper without compromising shelf life.
Ditch the sweet treats and use dried fruit in salads and appetizers
Received a lot of dried fruit as a gift? Add some to your meals. “Dried fruits are an important source of nutrients and should be included in your daily diet. Sliced almonds can be used in salads, and walnuts can be paired with cheese plates and charcuterie plates,” said Pallavi Khaitan of Urban Cloud Kitchen. Vidisha Bathwal of an artisan catering company adds, “Chopped dry fruits can be added to biryani for a sweet and nutty taste. They can also be used in vegetable pilaf as they complement the flavor of cumin and cardamom. It goes well together.
Indian sweets can be used to make fusion desserts and puddings –Pretanjali Pathari
Transform those extra brownies and cookies
Want to add some flavor to your leftover chocolate? Add some ice cream! “Freezing brownies and cookies isn’t an option, so add some ice cream and store them for desserts and puddings. You can also use this mix to make ice cream sandwiches, layered desserts, and sundaes.
Make different mixing routes
Trail mix is typically made with nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and sometimes chocolate or granola, and can vary greatly to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. According to Vidisha, you can make a delicious trail mix by “combining dried fruits with seeds and spices like paprika, smoked paprika and herbs.”
Use dried fruits to make granola, energy bars, and trail mix
Roast your Diwali leftovers
In addition to freezing, City Bakers recommends baking your own mitai. “Incorporate candies into cakes and muffins to add flavor and preserve them in new forms,” says Vidisha. He adds, “Remaining candies can be mixed together and pressed onto trays. Once set, they Can be consumed as gold bars.
Easy ways to extend shelf life
- Refrigerate dried fruit to stop bacterial growth
- Store candy in moisture-absorbent bags
- Store in airtight containers to reduce spoilage
- Avoid storing half-eaten candy
