25 June,2011 09:01 AM IST | | Dhvani Solani
This Bandra baker's mission in life is also her business. Meet Divya Ranglani, who wants to make the world a healthier place, one sugar-free dessert at a time. The best part? She delivers more than sweet promises
Each time we look at a cheesecake topped with Blueberry preserve or a cupcake with swirls of delightful chocolate, we hear those sinful treats call out our name. A typical 'episode' is followed by familiar feelings of guilt. Why then were we happily tucking into the Oreo Cheesecake on Divya Ranglani's dining table, minus guilt? "We make cheesecakes with hung curd instead of cream cheese," says Divya, co-founder, Healthy Treats. The cheesecake is not as smooth and creamy as one might expect to find at places that do good cheesecakes, but it's bursting with flavour, packed with Oreo bits, and minus those empty calories that nutritionists warn against.
Ranglani and her sister-in-law are in the business of making sure that our city eats healthy without having to give up their sweet cravings.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Walnut Cake. Pics/ Shadab Khanu00a0
Divya substitutes the less healthy refined flour (maida) with wholewheat, and sugar in favour of natural sweeteners, including figs, apple sauce, dates, fruits and jaggery. For certain desserts that can't be sweetened with natural sweeteners, she uses an artificial sweetener instead. What we loved most was that Divya pairs unusual ingredients (mangoes with blueberries, dates with carrots, oatmeal and nuts) to surprisingly delicious effect, using foods traditionally considered "too healthy" to be incorporated into dessert.
Do it yourself
"I was once cribbing to a French expat friend about how kids these days eat a lot of junk when she suggested that I make goodies with natural sweeteners instead," says the mother of two, while urging us to taste the flavourful and tangy Sundried Tomato dip with olives. "I started off one year ago with a sugar-free Date and Carrot Cake. I had done a course in Naturopathy where we learnt the benefits of using natural ingredients," she shares. Encouragement came in large doses from former Bollywood actor and friend Anita Raj. Soon, Ranglani was whipping up healthy cakes for family and friends on almost every occasion.
Celebrity fitness trainer Zarine Watson stumbled upon Ranglani's treats around six months ago, and now orders them (though Zarine supplies her own extra-healthy flour) for her clients. "There are some people who call up to say that they are disappointed with the cakes because they are not as spongy, light and fluffy. That's because the cakes are made without maida in them." For those who prefer cakes made with more traditional ingredients, including sugar and refined flour, Divya accepts orders for those too.
On The menu
Healthy Treats does cakes packed with bananas, oranges, pumpkins, zucchini, pineapple, and even Muesli, Sweet Potato, and Walnut or Soya Oatmeal Pomegranate Cakes. Divya is also happy to slip on the oven mitts to pull out baking trays with savoury muffins. Pumpkin Feta, Herb and Couscous, Pesto, Pumpkin Rosemary and Onions are among the options. Those who prefer desi sweets can choose from Kheer (made with Splenda), Phirni with brown rice and jaggery, and even Rasmalai. We recommend the delicious dips that include Artichoke Spinach, Hummus, Broccoli and Mushroom and the salads-by-the-bowl (Papaya, Corn Pepper, Thai Chicken).
All desserts are available as eggless options too.
At: Bandra (W).
Call: 9833895857/ 9820154550
Natural highs
' Wholewheat cakes: Rs 500 per kg
' Oatmeal, oat bran and wholewheat cakes: Rs 650 per kg
' Sweet muffins: Rs 500 (per dozen)
' Savoury muffins: Rs 650 (per dozen)
' Dips: prices start at Rs 250
' Wholewheat cupcakes: Rs 500 (per dozen)
' Salads: Rs 500 to Rs 600 (by the bowl)
' Salad of the day: Rs 150 (by the bowl)
